Israel Deports 154 Palestinian Prisoners to Egypt Amid Controversy

TEL AVIV, Israel - In a move that has sparked controversy, Israel deported 154 Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences for deadly attacks against Israelis to Egypt, where they will be sent into exile. The prisoners, who were among nearly 2,000 Palestinians released from Israeli prison in October, were flown to Cairo on October 18, with their final destination still undetermined. According to sources, the prisoners were serving sentences ranging from 20 to 40 years for their involvement in attacks that killed Israelis. The deportation was part of a deal between Israel and Hamas, which had been holding the final group of Israeli hostages. The prisoners were sent to Cairo, where they will be held in a detention center pending further arrangements. The immediate impact of the deportation has been felt in both Israel and the Palestinian territories. Israeli security experts have praised the move, citing concerns over the prisoners' potential return to hostilities. However, some Israelis have questioned the practice, citing human rights concerns and the potential for further instability in the region. The deportation is the latest development in a long-standing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories. The issue of Palestinian prisoners has been a contentious one, with many Palestinians viewing their imprisonment as a form of collective punishment. The Israeli government has maintained that the prisoners pose a threat to national security, and that their deportation is necessary to prevent further violence. As the situation continues to unfold, international observers are watching closely. The United Nations has called for greater transparency and accountability in the treatment of Palestinian prisoners, while human rights groups have expressed concerns over the potential for further human rights abuses. The final destination of the deported prisoners remains unclear, but it is likely that they will be held in a third country pending further arrangements.