Criminalizing Palestinian Joy
Israeli attempts to quash celebrations of Palestinian hostages released
As the ceasefire reaches its fifth day, with hostages on both sides being released every day since the armistice began, celebrations are being held in both Israel and the Palestinian territories for the freed prisoners.
In Israel, near the Hatzerim military base, thousands took to the streets to welcome the hostages freed from Gaza on Sunday.
This stands in stark contrast to the situation in Palestinian territories.
While celebrations are certainly underway, it has been reported that the Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, instructed the police commissioner to use “an iron fist” against attempts to celebrate prisoner releases.
Gvir gave the go-ahead to police in East Jerusalem to shut down celebrations.
It is important to note that Gvir himself was convicted of incitement to racism against Arabs and supporting a terror organization in 2007.
PALESTINIAN CELEBRATIONS
On Friday, Israeli police surrounded the East Jerusalem home of one of the 39 prisoners released in the initial hostage deal.
This was done in order to prevent family members and neighbours from gathering to celebrate the release.
Police were also seen ordering an Al Jazeera correspondent to back up and not to film the celebration.
It was also reported that Israeli police surrounded the homes of other Palestinian hostages who were released in order to prevent a “victory picture” for Palestinians.
Despite this, celebrations have still taken place in the Palestinian territories.
But the attempts to quash Palestinian celebrations are just another cruel act required to maintain an apartheid state.
A designation that has been applied to Israel by institutions like Human Rights Watch, B’Tselem, and Amnesty International.
Since the beginning of the ceasefire, 60 Israelis have been released under the terms of the deal between Israel and Hamas and an additional 21 hostages have been released in separate negotiations.
As for Palestinian hostages, 180 have been released from Israeli prisons.
There are currently at least 8,000 Palestinians in Israeli custody.
This includes more than 2,200 who are administrative detainees meaning those who are held without charge or a trial.
Israel says the ceasefire will be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.
So far, hostages have continued to be released on both sides extending the truce.
The ceasefire remains and fighting has not resumed.