**Palestinian Prisoners Released in West Bank**
At least 200 Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli jails in the West Bank on Saturday. The release came after Israel exchanged them for four female hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
The prisoners were taken to a jubilant scene, with many of their families and supporters cheering and waving flags. Some of the prisoners had been serving life sentences in Israeli jails for crimes such as murder.
**Most Serious Offenders Deported**
Around 70 of the most serious offenders have been deported to neighboring countries, including Qatar and Turkey. A smaller number will be sent to Gaza. Just over 120 people will be allowed to return home in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
The Israel Prison Service announced that all terrorists had been released from Ofer and Ktziot Prisons after necessary activities were completed and approval was given by political authorities.
**Released Prisoners Speak Out**
One of the released prisoners, Bakker Kwaawish, said he had been in prison for six years and two months. He described the feeling of being released as “amazing”. The youngest Palestinian released on Saturday was 16 years old, while the oldest was 69-year-old Mohammed al-Tous, who spent 39 years in prison.
**Hostages Released from Gaza**
Earlier on Saturday, four female Israeli soldiers taken hostage by Hamas were released from Gaza. The hostages, aged between 19 and 20, were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City during a heavily choreographed handover involving dozens of Hamas gunmen.