Gaza Strip - January 25, 2025 A group of Palestinian prisoners released by Israel arrived in war-torn Gaza on Saturday, greeted by jubilant families and cheering crowds celebrating their return. Their homecoming was marked by a mix of joy and sorrow after years of captivity. As part of the second phase of a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, Israeli authorities released 200 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday. Abdullah Zaghari, head of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, confirmed that the prisoners were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Some of the prisoners were released from Ofer Prison into the West Bank, while others, bound for Gaza or deportation abroad, were freed from Negev Prison in southern Israel. Palestinian officials in the Ramallah Governorate played a key role in coordinating their release. Eyewitnesses reported that the prisoners were transferred from the ICRC to a medical center in Ramallah, where Palestinian security forces had been stationed in anticipation of their arrival. Among those freed, 16 traveled to Gaza, entering through the Kerem Shalom crossing in the southeast. As Red Cross vehicles transported the former prisoners into Gaza, thousands flooded the streets in celebration. Nahda Balousha, the wife of a newly released prisoner, expressed her mixed emotions. Abdul Rahman Balousha, a freed prisoner and Nahda's husband shared his overwhelming emotions. According to the Palestinian Prisoners' Affairs Authority, the 200 prisoners included 121 who had been serving life sentences and 79 others with long sentences. Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV channel reported later in the day that some 70 Palestinian prisoners the Israeli authorities had released arrived in Egypt via the Rafah crossing. Türkiye, Tunisia, and Algeria have agreed to take in some prisoners while others will stay in Egypt. Shotlist: Gaza Strip - Jan 25, 2025: 1. Various of crowd waiting to welcome released Palestinian prisoners, vehicles carrying released ones guarded by police; 2. Various of released Palestinian prisoners getting out of vehicle, being greeted by crowds, hugging family members; 3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Samoud Al-Za'anin, displaced Palestinian: "This is the greatest victory and joy for the Palestinian people, despite the pain, death, hunger, and genocide. It is the greatest joy for the people of Palestine. This is a cry from the sister of a prisoner who has been imprisoned for 17 years. There is no greater joy than this."; 4. Family members waiting for released Palestinian prisoners 5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Nahda Balousha, wife of released Palestinian prisoner: "We were dreaming that this day would come without destruction and war. We waited for the deal to be completed for many years, day by day and month by month. We hoped that he would be liberated without destruction, and not martyred or wounded. Unfortunately, he was liberated, and even his bedroom was bombed."; 6. Various of vehicles transporting released Palestinian prisoners on street; 7. Released Palestinian prisoner Abdul Rahman Balousha hugging his wife Balousha; 8. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Abdul Rahman Balousha, released Palestinian prisoner: "After this war, destruction and sacrifices, thank God I was able to see my family and reassure myself about their well-being. Eleven years of absence is something that cannot be described. I feel like I'm in a situation that once seemed imaginary."; 9. Various of Abdul Rahman Balousha hugging family members. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]