DaysofPal – An Israeli newspaper reported on Tuesday that Israeli forces have killed or re-arrested around 40 formerly released Palestinian prisoners in the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem, out of approximately 700 detainees released there under the “Al-Aqsa Flood” exchange deals.
These figures cover the period from the first prisoner exchange almost two years ago up to less than two months after the completion of the third deal.
According to Israel Hayom, which published the report in a distinctly inflammatory tone, the real number of released prisoners who have allegedly “returned to resistance activities” is higher, claiming that some individuals have not yet been detained.
The statistics provided refer only to the West Bank and do not include the hundreds of prisoners whom Israeli authorities classify as “more dangerous” and who were released to Gaza or transferred to third countries.
The paper cited assessments by Israel’s domestic intelligence service (Shin Bet), which alleged that many of the released prisoners “have returned or will return” to participation in resistance activities.
Based on partial Shin Bet data referenced by the newspaper, 82% of the 1,027 prisoners released in the 2011 Gilad Shalit exchange allegedly re-engaged in various forms of resistance, including financing, logistical support, or assistance in operations. The report claimed that 12% of those released prisoners carried out attacks in the West Bank or Jerusalem.
The article pointed to prominent Hamas figure Yahya Sinwar as the most notable individual released in the 2011 deal. Sinwar was killed during the Israeli assault on Rafah in the recent war on Gaza. However, the paper clarified that Sinwar had been released to the Gaza Strip, not to the West Bank.
Following the October 7, 2023, “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation and the resulting series of three prisoner exchange agreements, Israel witnessed intense internal debate about the destination of released Palestinian detainees.
Some Israeli security bodies had recommended releasing what they termed the “most dangerous” prisoners to the occupied West Bank, arguing that surveillance and re-arrest would be easier there. Despite this, the political leadership rejected the recommendation and insisted on sending them to Gaza or abroad, claiming this would avoid exposing settlers in the West Bank to potential risks.
According to the newspaper, the Shin Bet claims it does not possess updated, comprehensive data on the total number of prisoners released to various regions who have allegedly resumed resistance activities. The available data covers only those released to the West Bank, specifically those who were later arrested or killed.
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