Israel releases 9 Palestinian detainees through Kerem Abu Salem crossing

Israel released nine Palestinian detainees it had held from the blockaded Gaza Strip through the Kerem Abu Salem border crossing on July 5, Anadolu reports.

The detainees were handed over to teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

They were then transferred to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza for medical checks.

The released Palestinians were reunited with their families at the hospital, where emotional scenes unfolded as relatives welcomed them back.

Since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, Israeli forces have continued carrying out airstrikes, shootings and demolitions across Gaza.

Israel has expanded its control to around 70% of Gaza’s territory, confining Palestinians to less than 30% of the strip, according to local estimates.

The Israeli war on Gaza, launched on Oct. 8, 2023 with US backing, has devastated nearly 90% of the enclave’s civilian infrastructure and killed more than 73,000 Palestinians.

READ: Palestinian journalist says prison starvation, medical neglect led to brain hemorrhage after release from Israeli prison