Freed Palestinian prisoners expressed outrage after they were forced to wear shirts bearing the Israeli prison service logo, a Star of David, and the phrase “We do not forget and we do not forgive” in Arabic.
Protests After Release
Upon their release, many prisoners burned the shirts in protest, calling them a “racist crime” and a violation of human rights.
Prisoner Exchange
The mass prisoner exchange took place on Saturday, with 369 Palestinian prisoners released in exchange for three Israeli captives in Gaza.
Condemnation from Palestinian Groups
- Hamas condemned the act, stating:
“We denounce the occupation’s crime of placing racist slogans on the backs of our heroic prisoners and treating them with cruelty and violence.” - Palestinian Islamic Jihad also called it a “racist crime.”
Criticism Within Israel
Reports suggest that the decision was made solely by Israel’s Prison Commissioner, Kobi Yaacobi, without prior approval from political leadership.
International Response
- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) urged all parties to ensure more dignified prisoner transfers.
- Xavier Abu Eid, a political analyst from Bethlehem, said the move was part of a broader strategy to degrade Palestinian detainees.
Total Prisoner Releases
Since the ceasefire in January, a total of 24 Israeli captives and 985 Palestinian prisoners have been released, according to the ICRC.
