Watan-In the implementation of the stages and batches of the exchange deal between the Islamic Resistance Movement “Hamas” and the Israeli occupation, an important question has emerged regarding the fate of the released Palestinian prisoners.
Since the discussion of the deal’s details and its provisions, many have wondered whether the Israeli occupation can re-arrest these liberated prisoners.
This question has gained prominence, especially in light of the Israeli occupation’s actions over the past years, including the re-arrest of previously released prisoners, thus violating previous agreements with the Palestinian resistance.
Israeli Violations in the Shalit Deal: Re-Arrest of Freed Prisoners
In a breach of the Israeli occupation, a significant violation occurred concerning the “Gilad Shalit Deal,” a renowned agreement forged 12 years ago. The Israeli occupation re-arrested 65 prisoners who had been released in this deal.
What is even more noteworthy is that the Israeli occupation handed down severe sentences to these re-arrested prisoners, with some receiving life imprisonment or a 30-year term.
Prisoners and Freed Affairs Committee Rules Out Israeli Violation
However, the Prisoners and Freed Affairs Committee ruled out the repetition of such violations in the recent prisoner exchange deal, which falls under the framework of the humanitarian Gaza ceasefire. The reason behind this assurance lies in the fact that Palestinian negotiators took care to include a clause in the latest deal, which was absent in the Shalit deal.
According to this clause, the Israeli military commander is required to issue pardons for prisoners brought before military courts and provide military amnesty for those prosecuted in civilian courts.
Qadura Fares, the head of the Prisoners and Freed Affairs Committee, stated, “In this deal, negotiators paid attention to this aspect, so Israel will not be able to re-arrest those released based on their previous records.”
He added, “While Israel can detain any Palestinian, including those released, through administrative detention, they will not be arrested to serve the previous sentence.”
Hamas Emphasizes “Guarantees”
Regarding how to compel Israel to implement the provisions, officials in the Hamas movement have affirmed that the guarantors in this context are the mediators of the deal (Qatar, Egypt, and the United States). However, Hamas has not ruled out the possibility of the occupation violating the agreements and conventions.
Hamas leader Hazem Qassem stated that the issue of not arresting prisoners after the end of the war on Gaza was raised with the mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. He clarified that the agreement includes clauses that obligate Israel to abide by this commitment.
لماذا لا يمكن لإسرائيل اعتقال الأسرى المحررين مرة أخرى في هذه الصفقة؟#حرب_غزة #الجزيرة_لماذا pic.twitter.com/rMQ6GatOg8
— قناة الجزيرة (@AJArabic) November 26, 2023
Prisoner Exchange Between Hamas and Israeli Occupation in the Humanitarian Ceasefire Deal
As part of the humanitarian ceasefire agreement in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, one of the clauses involves the exchange of prisoners. The agreement is set to conclude on Monday, its final day, amid efforts to extend it.
Israel received a list of names for the fourth batch of Israeli detainees held by Hamas, who are scheduled to be handed over on Monday evening. This marks the fourth and final day of the temporary ceasefire.
On Sunday, Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners, bringing the total number of released Palestinian prisoners since the start of the ceasefire to 117.
Hamas also announced that it handed over 13 Israelis, 3 Thais, and another individual with Russian citizenship in the third batch of the prisoner exchange deal.