Cease-Fire Swap Frees Detainees, Spurs Scrutiny | JQJO

The Gaza cease-fire hinged on an exchange: Hamas freed all living hostages in Gaza and agreed to return remains of former captives, while Israel released 1,968 Palestinians. Of those, 250 were convicted in violent attacks; most—1,718 Gazans—were detained during war, many without charges and labeled 'unlawful combatants.' Rights groups and the U.N. cite secret, degrading detention; the Palestinian Prisoners Society reports at least 78 deaths. Israel says prisoners are treated according to international standards and denies systematic abuse. Among the released were medical workers; Dr. Ahmed Muhanna was freed, while Dr. Adnan Ahmad Albursh died in custody.