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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Rylan Barton. Around 1,700 Palestinians were released from

Israeli prison and return to Gaza today as part of a ceasefire deal in the war between Israel and

Hamas. In return, the remaining 20 hostages still alive after being held in Gaza for more than two years were returned to Israel,

along with several bodies of hostages.

NPR's Kat Lonsdorf has more.

The Palestinians returned to Gaza were part of thousands, seized by Israeli forces and imprisoned without charges during the war.

In the city of Khan Yunus, loved ones cheered at their release.

Islam Ahmed, a journalist from northern Gaza who was detained by the Israeli military

late last year, spoke with NPR's Anas Baba.

It was miserable in prison.

We were beaten and humiliated,

Ahmed said, noting he lost more than 60 pounds in 10 months.

Israel's prison service has defended its treatment of Palestinians,

although human rights groups in Israel and abroad have documented serious mistreatment.

Around 200 Palestinian prisoners were also released, many who had been

serving sentences for serious crimes against Israelis and exiled to other countries.

Kat Wanzdorf, MPR News.

Major questions remain about the future of Gaza, including whether Hamas will disarm and who

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