Prisoner swap proves Israel’s failure, Gazans’ truimph, says Iran Army chief

The chief commander of the Iranian Army asserted the prisoner exchange between Israel and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has laid bare the full extent of Israel’s defeat and the Palestinian people’s victory in the Gaza Strip.

News ID: 5918

Date: 03 February 2025 - 11:21

TABNAK, Feb 03: Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi was speaking in a meeting with Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami.

During the Israeli regime’s 15 months of genocidal war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, Mousavi said, the enemies did their utmost to annihilate a nation, but the positive events in the besieged enclave brought joy to Muslims.

As part of the agreement between Hamas and Israel, 183 Palestinians were freed from Israeli jails on Saturday. Many appeared frail and exhausted as they arrived at the European Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza.

The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society (PPS) described the mistreatment suffered by detainees, saying that their bodies reflect “the level of crimes committed against them”, particularly after 7 October 2023.

Israel has released a list of more than 700 Palestinians who are to be released under the deal. More than 230 are serving life sentences and will be permanently sent to exile upon release.

Hamas has said Israel was forced to “open the doors of his cells to our heroic prisoners” after months of “unprecedented brutal aggression that targeted every inch of Gaza in its barbarity.”

During his Sunday speech, Mousavi also emphasized that the Army and IRGC shield the Iranian people from the enemies’ bullet, asserting that the unity between the two forces would cause joy among the nation but would definitely provoke outrage among the enemies.

The Iranian commander said such a sense of empathy and cohesion would certainly be “very influential” and boost the country’s defensive and national power.