Ramallah, occupied West Bank – Dawn broke with a mix of hope and anxiety as thousands of Palestinian families gathered, eagerly awaiting the return of their loved ones released/” title=”Donald Trump Arrives in … Amid Hopeful Hostage …s (Photos)”>recently freed under a prisoner swap agreement with Israel.
Among those being released were individuals who had endured decades behind bars, some burdened with multiple life sentences, many detained en masse during Israel’s prolonged conflict in Gaza.
On Monday, the Ramallah Cultural Centre became a focal point for families of political detainees expected to be transferred to the West Bank. The atmosphere was thick with emotion-hugs, tears, and nervous anticipation filled the air.
Yet, amidst the hopeful crowd, one woman’s sorrow stood apart as she clung to her brother, her tears reflecting a profound grief.
The family had just received devastating news about their brother, Muhammad Ahmad Imran from Hebron, imprisoned since December 2022 and sentenced to 13 life terms. Their initial joy at his impending release was abruptly shattered.
“Words Fail to Capture This”
Ibtisam and her brother Raed Imran had traveled to Ramallah two days earlier after a call from Muhammad himself, who informed them he was slated for release to the West Bank.
However, upon arrival at the cultural centre, they learned that although Muhammad’s name appeared on the release list, he was among over 100 prisoners Israel planned to exile from Palestine.
According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Media Office, out of 250 detainees being freed, 154 are to be forcibly relocated abroad.
These exiled individuals will face stringent restrictions on their movements and activities in their new countries, compounded by the challenges posed by their Palestinian citizenship, which limits international travel.
Tamer Qarmout, an associate professor of public policy at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, described these exile orders as a form of forced displacement.
Moreover, given Israel’s tight control over Palestinian travel, many families may never reunite with their exiled relatives.
Raed struggled to process the sudden reversal, replaying recent events that had led him to believe his brother was finally coming home.
“An Israeli officer called me and warned us not to celebrate or receive visitors,” Raed recounted, highlighting a common experience among Palestinian families who face intimidation from Israeli security forces-threats of violence, arrests, or worse if they express joy over a loved one’s release.
“That night, the Israeli military raided our home, questioning where Muhammad would stay after his release. They forbade any celebrations, support for resistance, or solidarity messages with Gaza. We told them our only wish was my brother’s freedom and that we would keep our doors closed to visitors.”
Ibtisam appeared drained and tearful.
“When I first heard Muhammad was coming home, I was overjoyed. We left Hebron two days ago-I wanted to be the first to greet him. Despite the exhaustion from traveling and finding accommodation, I believed all the fatigue would vanish the moment we met,” she said with a bittersweet smile.
“But the occupation’s threats crushed our happiness and left us unsettled. The deliberate misinformation and manipulation of names only heightened our distress. Still, I will stay here until the last prisoner is freed. I can’t put into words what I feel… all language fails.”
A Moment of Happiness for the al-Zeir Family
Near the entrance of the Ramallah Cultural Centre stood Bassam al-Zeir, a 60-year-old from Dura, south of Hebron, his face marked by fatigue but glowing with anticipation.
He was preparing for a reunion he had long awaited-after 23 years apart-with his brother Hani, a father of seven, and their cousin Arafat al-Zeir.
Hani was detained on June 28, 2002, and sentenced to 25 years, having served 23. Arafat was arrested simultaneously and given a 35-year sentence.
Bassam described the news of their release as “a sudden burst of joy.”
“When Arafat’s name appeared on the initial list, and then at exactly 2 a.m., my brother Hani’s name was announced, we couldn’t believe it. We immediately began preparations to travel to Ramallah.”
Bassam had not seen Hani in over two decades, as the family was denied visitation rights, likely due to Bassam’s own prior detentions.
“I was arrested multiple times, and they barred me from visiting him, even during family visits, as if they wanted to keep us apart forever.”
Yet, he remained hopeful: “Freedom is finally coming, even if it took 23 years.”
Despite his elation, Bassam’s heart was heavy.
He acknowledged the immense price paid by the people of Gaza over the past two years for this prisoner release.
At the same time, Israeli restrictions on families dampened their ability to openly celebrate the return of their loved ones.
“We waited a quarter of a century for this moment… yet even our joy was suppressed,” he said, tears welling in his eyes.
“Beyond Words”
When the bus carrying the released prisoners arrived, families surged forward, desperate to catch sight of their loved ones.
Amid the crowd, Bassam stumbled back, calling out “Hani! Hani!” hoping his brother would hear him.
Eventually, the brothers embraced, tears flowing freely as they tried to convey years of emotion in a single moment.
Asked to describe his feelings, Hani simply shook his head, saying, “This feeling cannot be put into words.”
Arafat, however, was unable to join the reunion. His health had deteriorated significantly during incarceration, requiring immediate medical attention upon arrival.
Hani’s face reflected both relief and exhaustion after years behind bars.
He and Arafat had been held in Ramon Prison until shortly before their release, when they were transferred to Ofer Prison-a facility Palestinians recognize as the final stop before freedom.
Despite threats they endured, Hani said the move to Ofer brought a renewed sense of hope.
“It felt like my breath returned, like life itself was coming back.
“The hardest part of imprisonment isn’t the physical confinement, but the endless passage of time away from family. I used to mark the years by watching my children grow through photographs.”
