Israel has released 39 women and children prisoners after Hamas freed 13 civilian captives in exchange under a Qatar-mediated deal that includes a four-day truce in Gaza.
Hundreds of Palestinians had gathered in anticipation on Friday outside the Ofer prison, where Israel had transferred those who were to be released, while others congregated in Palestinian towns.
At 8pm local time (18:00 GMT), two International Committee of the Red Cross buses were seen leaving Ofer.
According to the AFP news agency, 28 prisoners were released in the occupied West Bank, and 11 others were brought to East Jerusalem, according to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club NGO.
Marah Bakeer, who was among those released in Jerusalem, says she was informed this morning that she was going to be leaving prison.
She told Al Jazeera police carried out a DNA test and told her she would not be allowed to celebrate upon being released.
“I’m a little nervous and stunned; I can’t believe I’m out,” she said.
“The years spent in jail were hard,” Bakeer said. “But I have a strong personality … and faith in God.” Her family’s ongoing support helped her overcome “difficult times” during eight years in detention, she added.
Feride Najeh, who was among the prisoners released in Beitunia, told Al Jazeera that she was “very happy” with the deal.
