Israeli forces fire tear gas at West Bank crowds celebrating release of Palestinian prisoners

The Israeli military has fired tear gas and stun grenades at crowds in the West Bank – as they celebrated the release of Palestinian prisoners in a hostage deal.

It came as thousands gathered near Ramallah on Friday evening to await the release of 39 women and children following a truce agreement in which Hamas also freed 24 hostages.

Sky’s international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn, speaking from the scene, said there had been tension and chaos as a coach carrying some of the prisoners arrived.

The Israeli military were seen firing tear gas, stun grenades and possibly rounds of live ammunition as they attempted to push people back.

He said it came in response to some members of the crowd waving green Hamas flags and chanting pro-Hamas slogans as they celebrated.

There were also angry scenes as protesters shouted “we want our prisoners” as they waited for the release.

But there was also “jubilation” and a “carnival atmosphere” as the detainees were freed.

Sky News’ team at the scene witnessed some of the prisoners, mostly women and teenage boys, in a coach, some making V for victory signs and smiling as they were driven past.

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Several of those released were then lifted onto the shoulders of jubilant members of the crowd.

Israel is expected to release 150 Palestinian prisoners over the four-day truce – all of them women, children and teenagers.

Most will return to homes in the West Bank and Jerusalem following periods of incarceration lasting between a few months and several years.