Seven weeks into the new war between Israel and the militant group Hamas, a four-day ceasefire was called and an exchange began of Israeli hostages and imprisoned Palestinians.
On 24 November, the Guardian’s Jerusalem correspondent, Bethan McKernan, witnessed celebrations at the Betunia checkpoint in Ramallah, and was allowed access to a family awaiting the release of their daughter Noorhan. That night, 39 Palestinian women and children were freed from an Israeli jail. Most of the prisoners were held for minor offences, but some were more serious; though none who had murdered Israelis were released