Israel Releases 1,968 Palestinians as the Last 20 Living Hostages Come Home
In exchange for the last 20 living Israeli hostages, the Israel Prison Service released 1,968 Palestinians: about 250 sentenced security prisoners, some serving life terms, and roughly 1,700 Gazans detained during the war, described by Israeli officials and the AJC as not involved in October 7. Some of the sentenced prisoners were deported rather than returned home.
On October 13, 2025, Hamas released the last 20 living Israeli hostages and the Israel Prison Service released 1,968 Palestinians, sending them from Ofer prison to the West Bank and East Jerusalem and from Ktziot prison toward Gaza. (Adnkronos, citing the IPS)
The released fell into two groups:
- About 250 sentenced security prisoners, some serving life sentences for deadly attacks, including members of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Fatah and the PFLP. Al Jazeera reported 154 were sent into exile rather than allowed back to Gaza or the West Bank. (AJC; Al Jazeera)
- Roughly 1,700 Gazans detained during the war (final list figures vary slightly), described by the AJC as detained after — but not involved in — the October 7 attack. (AJC; Adnkronos)
The release of the second group is often cited in arguments over how many Gaza detainees were combatants. It shows Israel itself did not regard them as involved in October 7; it does not by itself establish that all were civilians.
Sources & References
- 1. Adnkronos: Israel has released 1,968 Palestinian prisoners (Oct 13, 2025), citing the Israel Prison Service
- 2. AJC (American Jewish Committee): Who are the Palestinian prisoners freed in the Israel-Hamas deal?
- 3. Al Jazeera: Israel frees and deports many Palestinian detainees (Oct 13, 2025)
- 4. +972 Magazine / Local Call / The Guardian (Yuval Abraham): "Israeli intelligence data: Militants account for only 1 in 4 Gaza detainees" (Sep 4, 2025) — the underlying investigation, includes IDF response