Israel publishes list of terrorists earmarked for release

Among the 250 prisoners that Israel wants to release as part of the hostage agreement are numerous members of Hamas, Fatah, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front who have been convicted of murder and involvement in suicide attacks.

The Israeli Ministry of Justice has published a list of 250 prisoners who are to be released or deported despite serving life sentences as part of the latest agreement with Hamas. Many of them were involved in attacks that claimed dozens of lives. Among the best-known names on the list is Hamas commander Imad Qawasmeh (52), who was sentenced to 16 life sentences for his involvement in a double attack in Beersheba that left 16 people dead. Qassem al-Asafreh (36), who murdered the Israeli student Dvir Sorek in 2019, is also slated for deportation.

Members of other terrorist organizations are also on the list:
– Muhammad Aref Samhan (55) from Fatah sent several suicide bombers, including in the bus attack in Jerusalem in 2003 with 23 dead.
– Ibrahim al-Raai (46), a Fatah member, was held responsible for a bomb attack in Nablus.
– Omar Mahmoud Bassis (60) and Arafat Hamid Zir (43) belong to Islamic Jihad, both were involved in shooting and bombing attacks.
– Ibrahim al-Hani (54) and Ibrahim al-Qam (53), both sentenced to multiple life sentences for attacks during the second intifada, are to be released from the Popular Front.

Some prisoners, including Iyad Abu al-Rub (51), were considered high-ranking commanders responsible for planning several suicide bombings in Tel Aviv and Netanya.

The list includes prisoners who are to be deported to Gaza or abroad, as well as those who are to return to the West Bank. Their possible release is causing outrage in Israel, as many of the perpetrators were involved in murders, bomb attacks and targeted attacks on civilians.

Source: Israel Hayom