Dozens of Palestinian prisoners have been released and returned to their homes in recent days, as part of Israel’s agreement with Hamas to release hostages held by the terrorist group.
It is estimated that more than 7,000 Palestinians are being held in Israeli prisons. Many of them are teenagers and women who are being held without having been tried or even charged.
The severity of Israel’s strictness is great. Teenagers have ended up being detained for years for throwing stones at Israeli targets or for taking part in demonstrations. The Palestinians accuse Israel that in the courts, their positions are not taken into account and that the judges only impose the harshest sentences.
The chances of their release are slim. At least until they have served their entire sentence. Hamas knows this all too well. It is possibly for this reason that in the October 7 attack it ordered as many Israeli hostage kidnappings as possible, knowing that it would have in its hands a very powerful bargaining chip to obtain the release of many Palestinian prisoners.
And it is probably for this reason that it made sure that the hostages were treated well and humanely. They had food, medical care. Even the leader of the organization reportedly visited them and assured them that they were protected and that nothing would happen to them.
Developments have proved them right, since for every Israeli hostage, three Palestinian prisoners return home. This allows the terrorist organisation to increase its prestige and, above all, its popularity. Many of the families who have seen their loved ones released feel grateful. The family of 17-year-old Ganam Abu Ganam says that without Hamas their son would have been rotting in a cell for years and now he has been released. “It is a gift from God. It’s a miracle,” his mother said.
It’s no surprise that many Palestinians write off the criminal nature of Hamas and heroize it. After all, why would they turn against it or blame it when it is thanks to it that their people are back with them? And most importantly, who will prevent many of them from joining its ranks, since it is logical that they want to be on the winning side? Despite the blow the organisation is suffering, the truth is that it does not seem to be losing its authoritative influence inside Gaza.
