Hamas releases Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners

Hamas has released three Israeli captives as part of a continued exchange under a ceasefire agreement following 15 months of conflict in Gaza. The captives were handed over to the Red Cross in two separate locations in Gaza on Saturday. Shortly after, Israel began the process of releasing 183 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

The exchange, which marks the fourth of its kind since a ceasefire deal was reached on January 19, saw some prisoners who had been serving long sentences or lifetime terms freed. The prisoners were greeted by jubilant crowds upon their arrival in the West Bank and Gaza.

Palestinian prisoner conditions remain harsh, with over 4,500 Palestinians still held in Israeli prisons. Some analysts warn that re-arrests may follow as Israel has previously detained individuals after such exchanges.