Hamas: Prisoner Release Marks a National Milestone in the Struggle for Liberation
The Movement Highlights Unity, Resilience, and the Ongoing Priority of Freeing All Palestinian Prisoners
Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - The Palestinian Resistance Movement, Hamas, congratulated the newly freed Palestinian prisoners and their families, describing their liberation from Israeli prisons as a “bright national milestone” in the enduring struggle for freedom and independence.
In its statement issued on Monday, Hamas affirmed that the Operation Flood of the Free represents a historic national achievement that reflects the unity of the Palestinian people and reinforces that adherence to resistance and national rights remains the only path toward liberation, return, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Joy Amid Wounds: A Testament to National Resilience
Hamas emphasized that the scenes of joy witnessed among families across Gaza and the occupied West Bank—despite the deep wounds left by war—filled both the streets and the hearts of the nation.
“These collective celebrations are a testament to the strength and resilience of our people, unbroken by the crimes of the enemy,” the movement stated.
Hamas further stressed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his “extremist gang,” including ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, could not suppress the people’s pride in this achievement—“a victory baptized in blood and sacrifice, which shattered their arrogance and foiled their schemes.”
Testimonies of Brutality: Two Years of Severe Torture
The movement revealed harrowing testimonies from freed prisoners, describing “two years of the most brutal forms of physical and psychological torture”, calling it a stark reflection of the occupation’s “sadism and modern-day fascism.”
Hamas held international humanitarian and human rights organizations accountable, urging urgent action to end systematic abuses against Palestinian prisoners and ensure their protection and release.
Resistance Upholds Human Values, Occupation Commits Abuse
The statement underscored the stark contrast between the two sides:
The Palestinian Resistance, it said, treated Israeli captives “according to Islamic, national, and humanitarian values, safeguarding their lives despite constant risks.”
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation continues to “humiliate and torture our heroic prisoners every day” in its prisons.
Concluding its message, Hamas reaffirmed:
“The Resistance has fulfilled its promise to our free prisoners—a pledge of loyalty to their sacrifices. The liberation of detainees will forever remain at the heart of our national priorities.”
2,000 Prisoners Released Under Ceasefire Exchange
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Information Office confirmed the departure of the first of 38 buses carrying detainees from Israeli prisons, marking a crucial phase in the large-scale exchange deal within the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Among the released are prisoners who spent decades behind bars, including many serving life sentences. A total of 154 prisoners are slated to travel abroad, while others return to Gaza, the West Bank, and occupied al-Quds.
Despite attempts by the Israeli occupation to manipulate the agreement, Resistance factions insisted on upholding the agreed names, including long-term detainees and those captured from Gaza.
Mass Welcomes Across Gaza and the West Bank
In Khan Younis, large crowds gathered waving the flags of Hamas and Islamic Jihad to welcome the freed detainees. In Ramallah, buses arrived at the Ramallah Cultural Palace, greeted by throngs of supporters marking a collective moment of national pride. (PW)