Families of Palestinian prisoners released under a prisoner exchange with Israel are experiencing mixed emotions, as at least 154 of the released are being forcibly exiled to third countries. Observers and experts say this violates their citizenship rights and punishes both prisoners and their families. Released Israeli prisoners, by contrast, return to normal life, highlighting a double standard in the exchange.
Families of Palestinian prisoners released under a prisoner exchange deal with Israel describe the long-awaited release as a mixture of joy and sorrow, after learning that their loved ones will be exiled to a third country.
The Palestinian Prisoners Media Office reported that at least 154 Palestinians released today, Monday, under the prisoner exchange agreement, will be forcibly sent into exile by Israel.
Those facing exile are part of a larger group of Palestinians released by Israel, which includes 250 prisoners previously held in Israeli jails and nearly 1,700 Palestinians detained from Gaza over the last two years. The United Nations has reported that many of them were “disappeared.”
Under the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Hamas and other Palestinian factions released 20 Israeli prisoners today, Monday.
Israel has yet to disclose where the released Palestinians will be sent. In a previous prisoner release in January, several dozen detainees were sent into exile in regional countries such as Tunisia, Algeria, and Turkey.
Observers argue that this forced exile violates the citizenship rights of the released prisoners and demonstrates a double standard in the prisoner exchange process.
Tamar Karmut, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, told Al Jazeera, “There is no doubt that Israel’s action is illegal.”
Karmut added, “It is illegal because they are Palestinian citizens with no other nationality. They are being moved from a small prison to a larger one, away from their communities, and sent to new countries where they will face strict restrictions. This is inhumane.”
Families in Shock
Speaking to Al Jazeera in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, relatives of Palestinian prisoner Muhammad Imran said they were shocked to learn he was on the list of those being exiled.
Rayed Imran said that earlier, an Israeli intelligence officer had called to confirm that his 43-year-old brother Muhammad Imran would be released and inquired where he would reside afterward.
However, today, Monday, the family received the disappointing news that Muhammad, arrested in December 2022 and sentenced to life imprisonment in 13 cases, would be exiled.
Rayed Imran said, “Today’s news was a big shock. But we are still waiting. Maybe we will see him somehow. The important thing is that he is being released, whether in the country or abroad.”
This exile means that, due to Israel’s control over the borders, Imran’s family may never be able to visit him abroad.
Nida Ibrahim of Al Jazeera reported from the occupied West Bank, saying, “We are witnessing many families who will have to watch their loved ones exiled from Palestine. They will have no way to meet their released relatives.”
“A Win-Win for Israel”
According to Karmut, one purpose of this exile is to prevent Hamas and other Palestinian groups from claiming any symbolic victory from the prisoner exchange. Another objective is to keep the exiled prisoners away from any political or other activities.
Karmut said, “Exile effectively ends the political future of these prisoners. In the countries they are sent to, their movements will be heavily restricted, and they will be unable to participate in any activities.”
The analyst added that the exile punishes not only the released prisoners but also their families, who will be separated from their loved ones or, if Israel allows, will have to leave their homeland to meet them.
Associate Professor Tamar Karmut said, “This is a win-win situation for Israel.” In contrast, released Israeli prisoners can return to a normal life in Israel.
Karmut further noted that this reflects a clear double standard and is nothing but hypocrisy.