Watan-The Israeli police announced the arrest of 12 Palestinians in the Kafr Aqab neighborhood, north of Jerusalem, for celebrating the release of a Palestinian prisoner as part of the prisoner exchange deal conducted under the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
In a statement, the police said: “12 suspects were arrested for their involvement several days ago in a demonstration in support of a prisoner who was released in the prisoner exchange deal.”
The police claimed that the detainees “were seen participating in a demonstration of support that included celebrations, raising Hamas flags, and firing gunshots into the air” in the Kafr Aqab neighborhood, north of Jerusalem.
The statement added: “The suspects have been referred to the central unit for investigation, and they are expected to be brought before the court today for an extension of their detention.”
It further stated: “The Israeli police and the General Security Service will not allow displays of joy, expressions of support, or solidarity with Hamas.”
Since the beginning of the prisoner exchange process, the Israeli police have raided the homes of prisoners’ families in East Jerusalem who were included in the exchange, warning them against celebrating the release of Palestinian detainees.
On Saturday, Israel released 200 Palestinian prisoners to the West Bank and Gaza Strip, while 70 of them were deported to Egypt, after receiving four Israeli female soldiers who were freed by Hamas as part of the second batch of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
The ceasefire in Gaza, brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, came into effect on January 19.
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