Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has announced the release of Israeli settlers currently held under administrative detention, coinciding with a ceasefire agreement that includes a prisoner exchange.
The decision comes as part of a three-phase deal aimed at securing a permanent truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, which will take effect on Sunday.
Katz explained that the move was made in light of the expected release of Palestinian prisoners as part of the deal, stating, “I have decided to release the settlers detained in administrative detention and to convey a clear message of strengthening and encouraging the settlements.”
He also emphasised the need to support settlers in their fight against Palestinian terrorism, amid growing security challenges.
The move follows a controversial suspension of administrative detention orders against Israeli settlers accused of violence against Palestinians.
Palestinian authorities and human rights groups have strongly criticized the decision, warning that it could escalate tensions and further encourage violence.
Israeli rights group Peace Now condemned the decision, calling it a “reckless move that normalises Jewish terrorism under the cover of war.”
This development is set against the backdrop of Israel’s long-standing two-tiered legal system, which Palestinians claim discriminates between Jewish Israelis and Palestinians living in the Occupied West Bank.
Since the start of the war on Gaza in October 2023, over 12,100 Palestinians have been arrested in the Occupied West Bank, with thousands more believed to be detained in Gaza.
