• Israel has released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in a major ceasefire agreement.
• The deal followed the return of 20 Israeli hostages captured by Hamas during the October 7 attacks.
• Massive celebrations erupted in Gaza and the West Bank as families reunited with freed prisoners.
• Prisoners reported harsh conditions, including mistreatment and torture while incarcerated.
• Despite the releases, over 9,100 Palestinians remain in Israeli prisons under severe conditions.

As part of a historic ceasefire agreement, Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 long-term detainees, on October 13, 2025. The exchange coincided with the return of 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attacks, creating a deeply emotional atmosphere as families reunited. Celebrations erupted across Gaza, particularly in Khan Younis, where thousands welcomed the returning prisoners with cheers, flags, and emotional embraces, according to Al Jazeera, TRT Global, and Le Monde.

The released prisoners included men and women who had faced various levels of detention, with accounts detailing brutal conditions inside Israeli jails. Released individuals reported experiences of severe mistreatment, including torture, poor nutrition, and psychological abuse. One released prisoner expressed, “We were tormented by pain day after day," showcasing the traumatic toll of incarceration, according to India Times, Middle East Eye, and Africa News.

Following the celebrations, it was noted that despite the release, over 9,000 Palestinians remain in Israeli custody, many of whom are held under severe conditions without charge. The total number of Palestinian prisoners has significantly increased since the war began, with detention practices drawing sharp criticism from human rights organizations. Reports indicate systematic abuses in prisons, including torture and medical neglect, highlighting ongoing concerns about the treatment of detainees, as noted by Le Monde and Middle East Eye.