'We won't forget nor forgive': Israel releases 369 prisoners wearing sweatshirt with message

Among the 369 Palestinian security prisoners who were released in exchange for hostages Sagui Dekel-Chen, Alexander Sasha Troufanov, and Iair Horn on Saturday are notable terrorists with blood on their hands who are serving life sentences.Overall, 36 of the prisoners released were in prison for life.Who are the notable terrorists being released?One of the prisoners is Ahmed Barghouti, the close aide and cousin of convicted terrorist Marwan Barghouti. He was sentenced to 13 life sentences after being convicted of direct involvement in a series of attacks in which 12 Israelis were murdered.Another prisoner released was Fatah terrorist Mazen al-Qadi, who was convicted of aiding the terrorist who carried out an attack at a seafood market restaurant in Tel Aviv in 2002 in which three Israelis were murdered. He was serving three life sentences and 20 years in prison for his role in the attack. Qadi is also the terrorist who was suspected of having relations with five female prison guard conscripts at Ramon Prison in 2023.Another Fatah terrorist imprisoned during the Second Intifada who was released was Mantzur Sharim. Originally from Tulkarm, he was responsible for a series of attacks in which many Israelis were murdered, including a mass shooting at a banquet hall in Hadera in which six Israelis were murdered and 26 were wounded. He was additionally responsible for the murders of a soldier and a civilian in 2001. He was sentenced to 14 life sentences and an additional 50 years in prison.Hamas terrorists among those released include Nael Obeid, who was involved in the bombing at Cafe Hillel in Jerusalem in 2003, in which seven Israelis were murdered and 57 were wounded.Another of those released is Muhammad Mezlah, who was involved in the 2000 Ramallah lynching that killed two IDF reservists.Buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners and detainees arrived in Ramallah to a cheering crowd, some waving Palestinian flags.Other terrorists released are senior officials from the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, including Ahmed Abu Hader, Muhammad Naifa, and Wadah al-Bazara.Hader planned an attack at the Sheba Medical Center and was given 11 life sentences and an additional 50 years in prison. Naifa, along with Osama Ashkar, another terrorist who was released, are responsible for two attacks during the Second Intifada in October 2002 in the settlement of Hermesh and Kibbutz Metzer, where eight Israelis were murdered, including four children.Al-Aqsa Brigades commander Abd al-Karim Awis and terrorist Amjad Takatka were also released. Both were imprisoned due to being linked to the terrorist attack in the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem in 2002, in which six civilians were murdered.Bakr Najjar, another terrorist who was released, was involved in a shooting attack at the Zif Junction also in 2002 in which four Israelis were murdered.Other terrorists who were released include Rasem Hussein from Tulkarm, who played a significant role in two terror attacks in 2002 and Shadi Abu Shahidam, who sent a female suicide bomber to carry out an attack on Jaffa Street in Jerusalem that year in which one civilian was murdered and more than 100 were injured.This is the largest number of prisoners being released in a single day since the implementation of the hostage deal.“We didn't expect to be freed, but God is great, God set us free,” said Musa Nawarwa, 70, from Bethlehem, who was serving two life terms for killings of Israeli soldiers.Buses carrying some of the hundreds of freed Palestinian prisoners and detainees, some flashing victory signs as they hung from the windows, arrived later at the European Hospital in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip.Some, like Hassan Ewis, will be allowed to return to their homes. Others, such as his brother, are expected to be deported to Egypt.Ewis's charge sheet in the Justice Ministry records include the planting of explosives and attempted murder and intentional homicide.Although some freed Palestinians are returning to an enclave they have not seen for years – before it was blasted into rubble by Israeli airstrikes and shelling in 16 months of war – most were arrested after the Hamas-led attack against Israel on October 7, 2023.Alon Hachmon contributed to this report.

'We won't forget nor forgive': Israel releases 369 prisoners wearing sweatshirt with message

One of the security prisoners released is Mazen al-Qadi, who was convicted of being involved in a 2002 terror attack in Tel Aviv during the Second Intifada.

French man beaten while returning from mikveh

Efrat leader: Building de facto West Bank sovereignty

'We won't forget nor forgive': Israel releases 369 prisoners wearing sweatshirt with message

One of the security prisoners released is Mazen al-Qadi, who was convicted of being involved in a 2002 terror attack in Tel Aviv during the Second Intifada.

See more on