15 freed Palestinian prisoners arrive in Türkiye
ANKARA
Fifteen Palestinian prisoners have arrived in Türkiye following their release by Israel as part of a ceasefire agreement, Turkish authorities said on Feb. 4.
Israel requested that Palestinians convicted of the most serious crimes, including the perpetrators of deadly attacks, not be sent to Gaza or the occupied West Bank following their release. Egypt has authorized the temporary admission of 70 prisoners who are currently in Cairo.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that 15 Palestinians released from the Israeli prisons have arrived in Türkiye.
Recalling that a similar exchange between Israel and Hamas took place in 2011 and Türkiye had accepted some members of the latter at that time as well, Fidan stressed that this shows the role Türkiye is playing in ending the armed conflict in the region.
“But, on this occasion, I should underline one point and urge the international community: Our aim here is to end the genocide and human drama. We don’t find right those who use this as a propaganda tool against Türkiye,” he said. “What we are doing is serving for peace and humanity.”
His remarks came hours after Turkish security sources announced that the country would receive the prisoners, without specifying the time of arrival.
The Turkish intelligence organization acted swiftly to facilitate the arrival of 15 displaced Palestinians through Egypt as efforts were made to provide them with a secure life in Türkiye, according to the sources.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan instructed the country’s National Intelligence Organization (MİT) to facilitate safe travel for the Palestinians and provide them with a secure life in Türkiye, the sources said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
Fidan also expressed concerns over the potential actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government following the release of Israeli prisoners.
“On Sunday, I had a meeting in Doha with members of the Political Bureau of Hamas. The Hamas side has no hesitation in fulfilling the terms of the ceasefire agreement. However, there are questions around the world about how the Netanyahu government will behave after the release of Israeli prisoners,” Fidan said at a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty in Ankara.
He urged the international community to take a unified stance in preventing Netanyahu from restarting what he described as "genocide" for political gain.
Israel has committed to releasing 1,904 prisoners, including 737 serving life sentences, in return for 33 women, children, men over 50 and those considered ill.
