Israel Releases 60 Palestinian Detainees in Largest Release Since October

The Cabinet of Israel released 60 Palestinian detainees on Monday, July 27, 2026, marking the largest single prisoner release since the ceasefire agreements of October 2025. The group included 40 individuals held at Negev Prison and 20 detained workers. The Israeli military stated the men were released after interrogations concluded they were "no longer security suspects" and were not considered "terrorists."

Facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the detainees were transferred through the Kerem Shalom crossing into the Gaza Strip. They were taken to the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis and Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al Balah for medical evaluations. Many arrived appearing frail and injured, with some requiring wheelchairs.

Released detainees, including Mohammed Al Majdalawi, reported severe abuses at the Ofer, Negev, and Sde Teiman prisons. These accounts include beatings with rifle butts, being forced to sit on concrete or iron slabs, and systemic medical neglect and food shortages. The rights group HaMoked noted that these men were among approximately 1,300 Gazans held as "unlawful combatants."

The International Committee of the Red Cross used the transfer to reiterate calls for information on all detainees and requested permission to visit Israeli facilities, noting it has lacked such access since October 2023. This release occurs while Israel continues to hold over 10,000 Palestinians, a population that has risen significantly since 2023.