RAMALLAH — Israel released dozens of Palestinian prisoners on Saturday as part of the fourth prisoner-hostage exchange under the ongoing ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

Thirty-two of the freed detainees from the occupied West Bank were handed over to the International Red Cross from Ofer Prison near Ramallah, in accordance with the terms of the January 19 truce.

Hundreds of Palestinians gathered near the Ramallah Cultural Palace to welcome the released prisoners, waving Palestinian flags and chanting in support of Gaza and the resistance. Despite Israeli warnings, the crowd assembled to greet the detainees, who raised victory signs in defiance of Israeli orders.

Many of those freed appeared in poor health, with some struggling to walk. They were immediately taken to hospitals in Ramallah for medical assessments and treatment.

Hamas condemned their condition, calling it further evidence of "brutal treatment" in Israeli jails, which the group described as "war crimes and crimes against humanity requiring urgent international intervention."

The International Red Cross staff reportedly expressed anger over the manner in which the prisoners were released, according to Israeli daily Haaretz. The detainees were led out in shackles, with their hands behind their heads, sparking further criticism of Israel’s handling of the exchange.

Later in the day, a number of freed Palestinian prisoners arrived in Gaza, escorted by the Red Cross. Many were taken to the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis for medical treatment.

According to the Hamas-run Prisoners’ Information Office, a total of 183 Palestinian detainees were expected to be released by Israel on Saturday, including 111 individuals who had been arrested following the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Earlier in the day, Hamas' armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, released three Israeli captives from Gaza, handing them over to the Red Cross as part of the ongoing ceasefire arrangement. — Agencies