More than three dozen Palestinian prisoners received a hero’s welcome in the occupied West Bank on Friday after being released from Israeli prisons as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The released prisoners, accused of various offences, were greeted by massive crowds of Palestinians at a checkpoint outside Jerusalem, resulting in a spirited celebration with chanting, clapping and fireworks.Fifteen exhausted young men, dressed in prison sweatsuits, were carried through the streets on their fathers’ shoulders, draped in Palestinian or Hamas flags. The emotional scenes included tears, victory signs, and patriotic music. The release followed a four-day ceasefire, during which 24 hostages, including 13 Israelis, were freed from captivity in Gaza.The festive atmosphere in Beitunia near Ofer Prison was met with tension as Israeli authorities ordered the shutdown of celebrations, leading to clashes with security forces and the use of tear gas. Among the released prisoners were 24 women and 15 male teenagers, charged with offences like stone-pelting and supporting terrorism.More than three dozen Palestinian prisoners received a hero’s welcome in the occupied West Bank on Friday after being released from Israeli prisons as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The released prisoners, accused of various offences, were greeted by massive crowds of Palestinians at a checkpoint outside Jerusalem, resulting in a spirited celebration with chanting, clapping and fireworks.Fifteen exhausted young men, dressed in prison sweatsuits, were carried through the streets on their fathers’ shoulders, draped in Palestinian or Hamas flags. The emotional scenes included tears, victory signs, and patriotic music. The release followed a four-day ceasefire, during which 24 hostages, including 13 Israelis, were freed from captivity in Gaza.The festive atmosphere in Beitunia near Ofer Prison was met with tension as Israeli authorities ordered the shutdown of celebrations, leading to clashes with security forces and the use of tear gas. Among the released prisoners were 24 women and 15 male teenagers, charged with offences like stone-pelting and supporting terrorism.