Israel releases 10 Palestinians detained from Gaza

ISTANBUL

The Israeli army has released 10 Palestinians who were detained during its ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip, according to a statement by the Hamas-linked Palestinian prisoners media office.

The office said the freed detainees arrived through the Kissufim checkpoint and were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah.

“Many of the released prisoners returned in deteriorated health conditions, with visible injuries due to torture in Israeli detention,” it added.

On April 17, the Palestinian Prisoners Club said thousands of Gazans had been detained by Israel under a veil of secrecy and enforced disappearance since Oct. 7, 2023, facing “harsh and terrifying detention conditions aimed at inflicting maximum harm.”

Under the first phase of a prisoner exchange deal tied to a ceasefire that took effect on Jan. 19, Israel released hundreds of Palestinian detainees from Gaza in exchange for Israeli captives held by Hamas.

That phase ended in early March. While Hamas abided by the ceasefire, Israel resumed its military campaign on March 18.