January 30, 2025 | Flash Brief

Israel Releases 110 Palestinian Prisoners, Many Convicted of Terrorism, in Exchange for 8 Hostages

January 30, 2025 | Flash Brief

Israel Releases 110 Palestinian Prisoners, Many Convicted of Terrorism, in Exchange for 8 Hostages

Latest Developments

  • Israel Releases 110 Palestinian Prisoners in Exchange for Hostages: Following the freeing of eight hostages from Hamas captivity on January 30, Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom had been incarcerated on terrorism charges, including 33 serving life sentences.  
  • Palestinian Terrorist Leaders, Mass Murderers, and Sex Offenders Released: Among those released from Israeli jails on Thursday were Zakaria Zubeidi, once the leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades in Jenin and responsible for dozens of terror attacks during the Second Intifada; Mahmoud Atallah, who was serving a life sentence for murdering a Palestinian woman and who was subsequently indicted for sexually assaulting female guards at Israel’s Gilboa Prison; Ahmed Barghouti, serving 13 life sentences for organizing attacks that killed 12 Israelis during the Second Intifada; Mohammad Abu Warda, a Hamas terrorist serving 48 life sentences for carrying out two terror attacks that killed 45 people, including three U.S. citizens, in 1996; Sami Jaradat, a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorist responsible for planning the 2003 Maxim restaurant bombing in Haifa that killed 21 people; and Mohammad Amudi, also a member of the PIJ, who organized a 2006 suicide bombing in Tel Aviv that killed 11 people.
  • Release Delayed Over Hostage Chaos: The release of Palestinian prisoners was delayed for three hours due to Israel’s dissatisfaction with the jeering crowds of Gazans who swarmed the freed hostages as they were being ushered to waiting Red Cross vehicles. The Prime Minister’s Office released a statement declaring that it had secured a “commitment” for the “safe exit” of hostages in future releases. Buses carrying Palestinian prisoners were subsequently permitted to exit Israeli jails.

FDD Expert Response

“Today’s release underlines that for Israel and its citizens, the deal to secure the freedom of Israelis held captive by Hamas is extremely painful to swallow because it means the release of prisoners like these — serial rapists, bombers, and killers. All of these prisoners, particularly those who will now be located in the West Bank, are ready and willing to carry out new atrocities. The responsibility for preventing this outcome lies not just with Israel, but with every country that has presented the ceasefire deal as the pathway to a more durable peace settlement.” Mark Dubowitz, CEO

“The Hamas-led October 7 attack succeeded in achieving two major objectives: It damaged Israel’s sense of security in the region and forced it to release notorious terrorists, many of whom were significant actors who caused considerable bloodshed. Notable among the terrorists released in this phase of the deal is Hamas member Muhammad Abu Warda, a notorious figure who directed suicide bombers who killed 45 people, including three American citizens: Sara Duker, Matthew Eisenfeld, and Ira Weinstein. Extremist ideologies are hard to kill, and now, Israel will have to face the grim reality that many released terrorists, including Warda, will rekindle their old ways and resume their violent activities.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Releasing terrorists back into the general population poses a huge risk since many will return to terror. However, Jerusalem appears determined to bring as many live hostages home as it can at this juncture and is deferring other considerations for now.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Scenes of Abuse and Terror:’ Israeli and Thai Hostages Released Amid Threatening Mobs in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

‘Redeem Them From Death’: Israel Recovers Four Female Soldiers Held in Gaza for 477 Days,” FDD Flash Brief

Released Palestinians Greeted with Terrorist Flags, Notorious Terrorists Set for Release in Future Rounds,” FDD Flash Brief

After 471 Days of Captivity, Hamas Releases Three Israeli Women on First Day of Ceasefire,” FDD Flash Brief

Issues:

Issues:

Israel Israel at War Jihadism

Topics:

Topics:

Israel Hamas Palestinians Gaza City West Bank Jerusalem Mark Dubowitz Palestinian Islamic Jihad Tel Aviv Jenin National Security Network Terrorism Haifa Second Intifada al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades American Red Cross