A group of global experts is proposing a new way to define and diagnose obesity, reducing the emphasis on the controversial body mass index and hoping to better identify people who need treatment for the disease causedby excess body fat.

Under recommendations released Tuesday night, obesity would no longer be defined solely by BMI, a calculation of height and weight, but combined with other measurements, such as waist circumference, plus evidence of health problems tied to extra pounds.

Obesity is estimated to affect more than 1 billion people worldwide. In the U.S., about 40% of adults have obesity, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The whole goal of this is to get a more precise definition so that we are targeting the people who actually need the help most,” said Dr. David Cummings, an obesity expert at the University of Washington and one of the 58 authors of the report published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal.

The report introduces two new diagnostic categories: clinical obesity and pre-clinical obesity.

People with clinical obesity meet BMI and other markers of obesity and have evidence of organ, tissue or other problems caused by excess weight. That could include heart disease, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease or chronic severe knee or hip pain. These people would be eligible for treatments, including dietand exercise interventions and obesity medications.

People with pre-clinical obesity are at risk for those conditions, but have no ongoing illness, the report says.

BMI has long been considered a flawed measure that can over-diagnose or underdiagnose obesity, which is currently defined as a BMI of 30 or more. But people with excess body fat do not always have a BMI above 30, the report notes. And people with high muscle mass — football players or other athletes — may have a high BMI despite normal fat mass.

Under the new criteria, about 20% of people who used to be classified as obese would no longer meet the definition, preliminary analysis suggests. And about 20% of people with serious health effects but lower BMI would now be considered clinically obese, experts said.

“It wouldn’t dramatically change the percentage of people being defined as having obesity, but it would better diagnose the people who really have clinically significant excess fat,” Cummings said.

The new definitions have been endorsed by more than 75 medical organizations around the world, but it’s not clear how widely or quickly they could be adopted in practice. The report acknowledges that implementation of the recommendations “will carry significant costs and workforce implications.”

A spokesman for the health insurance trade group AHIP, formerly known as America’s Health Insurance Plans, said “it’s too early at this point to gauge how plans will incorporate these criteria into coverage or other policies.”

There are practical issues to consider, said Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment company FlyteHealth. Measuring waist circumference sounds simple, but protocols differ, many doctors aren’t trained accurately and standard medical tape measures aren’t big enough for many people with obesity.

In addition, determining the difference between clinical and pre-clinical obesity would require a comprehensive health assessment and lab tests, she noted.

“For a new classification system to be widely adopted, it would also need to be extremely quick, inexpensive, and reliable,” she said.

The new definitions are likely to be confusing, said Kate Bauer, a nutrition expert at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

“The public likes and needs simple messages. I don’t think this differentiation is going to change anything,” she said.

Overhauling the definition of obesity will take time, acknowledged Dr. Robert Kushner, an obesity expert at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine and a co-author of the report.

“This is the first step in the process,” he said. “I think it’s going to begin the conversation.”

AP

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced the immediate retirement of senior police officers who are either above 60 years of age or have served for more than 35 years. This decision was made during an extraordinary meeting of the PSC’s management board, according to a statement released on Friday by Ikechukwu Ani, the commission’s spokesperson.

Ani explained that the PSC reversed a previous decision made in September 2017, which had allowed police officers to have their date of appointment calculated from their enlistment date. The commission concluded that this earlier decision conflicted with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i&ii), which mandates that civil servants retire after 35 years of service or upon reaching the age of 60.

The PSC has communicated this decision to Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. “The Commission has approved the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have served more than 35 years or are above 60 years of age,” the statement read. “The 2017 decision was found to contradict the principles of public service rules and has been overturned.”

This development comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the tenure extension of IGP Egbetokun. On Thursday, Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, stated that Egbetokun’s continued service is lawful. Fagbemi emphasized that Egbetokun’s appointment, which began on October 31, 2023, is valid for a four-year term.

Egbetokun was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, to replace Usman Baba as Inspector-General of Police. His appointment was confirmed by the National Police Council on October 31, 2023. Under Section 7 of the Police Act 2020, the IGP is entitled to serve for four years. However, Egbetokun, born on September 4, 1964, was initially expected to retire on September 4, 2024, when he turned 60.

Section 18(8) of the Police Act aligns with the civil service rule, stating that every police officer must retire after 35 years of service or upon reaching the age of 60, whichever comes first. Despite this, in July 2024, the National Assembly passed a bill allowing the IGP to remain in office until the end of the term specified in his appointment letter, further fueling the debate over retirement policies in the police force.

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the arrest of Usman Yusuf, a prominent social critic, accusing the Tinubu administration of using state machinery to silence opposition rather than combat corruption.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku questioned the timing of Yusuf’s arrest, noting that the charges against him date back to the previous administration. He accused the Tinubu government of hypocrisy, alleging that it shields individuals under investigation while weaponizing state institutions to suppress dissent.

“It’s clear that Tinubu’s administration is more focused on manipulating the system for political gain than addressing corruption,” Atiku stated.

This criticism comes amid growing concerns over the government’s handling of opposition figures. Atiku’s remarks echo recent controversies surrounding the arrest and arraignment of Omoyele Sowore, a prominent activist and former presidential candidate. Sowore, a vocal critic of the government, was recently detained and charged, sparking accusations of political persecution.

Many have drawn parallels between Sowore’s case and Yusuf’s arrest, viewing both as part of a broader pattern of targeting dissenters under the guise of anti-corruption efforts. Atiku’s statement underscores the perception that the Tinubu administration is prioritizing the suppression of opposition voices over genuine governance and accountability.

As the government faces increasing scrutiny over its approach to dissent and corruption, these developments raise questions about the balance between upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democratic freedoms.

PRESS RELEASE

Our attention has been drawn to a press release issued by a certain Anthony Ajayi, a former officer of the organisation, purporting to speak on behalf of Afenifere UK. We wish to categorically state that Ajayi is no longer authorised to represent Afenifere UK in that capacity.

For the avoidance of doubt, there is only one Afenifere UK, formally registered as an organisation limited by guarantees with Companies House in the United Kingdom. This is a matter of public record and can be verified by any interested party. The current Secretary-General of Afenifere UK is Seun Kolade, and only statements issued by him or the duly appointed Management Committee should be considered as the official position of the organisation.

We also wish to use this medium to correct the erroneous notion created in the said publication by Ajayi regarding the leadership of Afenifere. The public communique referred to by Ajayi was, in fact, a written resignation letter by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, which was also read publicly by him to the wider Afenifere membership. The letter and resignation did not occur after the tragic murder of Olufunke Fasoranti but well before this time. Contrary to the impression presented by Ajayi, the primary purpose of the letter was not the appointment of Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Oba Dipo Olaitan but to formally communicate Fasoranti’s resignation to the public.

Furthermore, Afenifere UK is not aware of any “National Elders Caucus” purportedly appointed to replace Adebanjo and Olaitan’s leadership of Afenifere. Since Fasoranti tendered his written resignation as the Afenifere leader, Adebanjo has assumed the substantive leadership of Afenifere, and he is ably assisted Olaitan as the Deputy Leader.

Members of the public are advised to disregard any press releases, statements, or representations made by Ajayi or any unauthorised individuals. Any attempts to misrepresent or impersonate the organisation constitute an infringement of Afenifere UK’s legal status and governance structure, and we reserve the right to seek legal redress if necessary.

Furthermore, we note that the unauthorised statement in question has been circulated on social media platforms as of 31st January 2025. We urge individuals responsible for posting or sharing this misinformation, as well as the administrators of such platforms, to remove these posts within 24 hours. Failure to do so may result in legal consequences.

We appreciate the cooperation of all members of the public in ensuring that the integrity and governance of Afenifere UK remain uncompromised.

For and on behalf of Afenifere Diaspora UK:

• Seyi Adefisan, Chair

• Seun Kolade, Secretary-General

• Bosede Adepoju, Member, Management Committee

Three Israeli hostages, including dual US and French citizens, set for release in Gaza on Saturday

Hamas said on Friday it would free the father of the youngest hostages seized in its Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel and two others including a dual U.S. citizen and a dual French citizen in the next exchange of Gaza hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

Yarden Bibas, Keith Siegel and Ofer Kalderon will be handed over on Saturday, said Abu Obeida, spokesperson for the armed wing of the Palestinian militant group, in a post on his Telegram channel.

Bibas is the father of baby Kfir, only nine months old when he was kidnapped, and Ariel, who was four at the time of the cross-border attack.

There was no word on the fate of Kfir and Ariel or of their mother Shiri, who was taken at the same time. Hamas said in late 2023 that they had been killed by Israeli bombardment in the early months of the Gaza war.

Video of their capture began circulating soon after they were seized. It showed a terrified Shiri clutching her small children in a blanket as they were bundled into captivity surrounded by militant assailants.

The father, Yarden, 34 at the time of the attack, was also abducted and a clip circulated showing him bleeding from a head injury caused by hammer blows.

Israeli-American Siegel, who was taken hostage with his wife Aviva, was seen in a video released by Hamas last year. His wife was released in the first hostage-for-prisoner exchange in November 2023.

Kalderon's two children Erez and Sahar, abducted alongside him, were also freed in the first exchange. The French-Israeli national's family said they were waiting with "immense joy mixed with paralysing anguish" for his release.

On Thursday, Hamas freed three Israeli and five Thai hostages in Gaza while Israel freed 110 Palestinian prisoners after delaying the process in anger at the swarming crowds engulfing one of the hostage handover points.

The White House welcomed the release of the hostages on Thursday and said President Donald Trump remained committed to the release of all those remaining.

Under the ceasefire deal that halted more than 15 months of fighting, 33 hostages held by Palestinian militants in Gaza are to be freed in the first six weeks of the truce in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, many of whom have been serving life sentences in Israel.

Fifteen hostages, including the five Thai workers, have been freed so far and Hamas has told Israel that eight of the 33 are now dead. In exchange, Israel has handed over 400 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, and is due to transfer another 72 long-term prisoners and 111 detainees from Gaza on Saturday, the Hamas media office said.

The truce has enabled a surge in international humanitarian aid to Gaza civilians suffering dire supply shortages and the first Palestinians - injured civilians and militant fighters - were due to travel to Egypt on Saturday through the newly reopened Rafah crossing.

But the fragile calm could be jeopardised if Israel prevents operations in Gaza by the U.N. Palestinian relief agency UNRWA after banning it from contact with Israel, UNRWA communications chief Juliette Touma told a briefing in Geneva on Friday. For now, the agency's work in Gaza was continuing, she said.

PALESTINIAN PRISONERS INCLUDE MINORS

Thursday's release of hostages in Gaza was marked by chaotic scenes that led Israel to warn mediators it would not accept any risk to the hostages. For its part, Hamas has accused Israel of violations, including gunfire by its troops and preventing the arrival of tents and heavy equipment.

The Palestinian prisoners and detainees include 30 minors and some convicted members of Palestinian groups responsible for deadly attacks that have killed dozens of people in Israel.

Around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 hostages were abducted in the Hamas attack in Israel, the deadliest day for Israel since the founding of the state, according to Israel.

Israel's military response has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry, and laid waste to the enclave of 2.3 million people, who face severe shortages of medicine, fuel and food.

Around half the hostages were released in November 2023 during the only previous truce, and others have been recovered dead or alive during Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

More talks on the implementation of the second stage of the deal, due to begin by Feb. 4, are meant to open the way to the release of over 60 other hostages, including men of military age, and a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.

If that succeeds, a formal end to the war could follow along with talks on the mammoth challenge of reconstructing Gaza.

Reuters

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Russia closes in on key Ukrainian city, seeking gateway for future advances

Russian forces are slowly tightening the noose around the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub whose main supply lines are under threat nearly three years after Moscow invaded its neighbour.

While Ukraine is stubbornly defending the city, its encirclement or fall could put Russia in a strong position to mount attacks in several directions in the east and increase pressure on Kyiv at a critical juncture in the war.

Inside Pokrovsk, life is bleak. According to the regional governor, 7,000 residents remain out of a pre-war population of 60,000. The last post office recently closed - mail will now be delivered by armoured truck.

On either side of the city, Russian troops are within artillery and drone range of a crucial highway that runs east to west along the entirety of Ukraine, and most cars now take detours along backroads into Pokrovsk for their safety.

In the past several days, Moscow's forces have reached the main rail line into the city from eastern Ukraine's most important logistical hub, the city of Dnipro.

"The situation is generally difficult, the enemy is constantly attacking on foot," said the deputy commander of Ukraine's 59th assault brigade, which is fighting on the Pokrovsk front.

He asked to be identified by his military call sign, Phoenix, for security reasons.

The officer said the enemy had much greater numbers of infantry, attacked in small groups willing to take extremely high casualties and adeptly exploited the landscape and low-visibility weather conditions to hide themselves from drones.

"Day and night they are moving forwards," Phoenix told Reuters.

Pokrovsk's road and rail connections have made it an important supply centre for a large section of Ukraine's frontline, although in recent months the threat of Russian artillery and drones has limited that function.

Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, said Pokrovsk's transit routes meant that if it fell, Russian forces could use it as a staging ground to push north or west.

"It sets up Russian forces for a potential advance into Dnipropetrovsk region ... further behind the frontlines, they're building and repairing rail lines."

"They can then move up their own logistics and that enables them to push further west."

Dnipropetrovsk region is a large province whose eastern tip faces Pokrovsk, and Russian troops are currently about 5 km (3 miles) from its boundary. It is not one of the four Ukrainian regions claimed by Russia.

With U.S. President Donald Trump pressing the sides to reach a peace deal, Moscow's occupation of a part of this region could strengthen its hand in future negotiations.

CHANGE IN TACTICS

Viktor Trehubov, a Ukrainian military spokesman, said the Russians were attempting to bypass and surround Pokrovsk from the west.

He said this differed from their approach to taking previous big urban areas, where they opted for costly frontal assaults and street fighting.

"It seems that, perhaps for the first time, they have started to spare their manpower," he said.

Three analysts Reuters spoke to said that should it capture the city, Russia had two main options for advancing on the Pokrovsk axis of battle.

The first was to push westward into the sparsely populated plains of Dnipropetrovsk region, which are lightly fortified and offer few natural or urban obstacles for Kyiv to use in defence.

The second was to push north, into a denser patchwork of industrial towns that would be tougher to get through but would enable Moscow to put pressure on Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, the two biggest remaining Ukrainian-controlled cities in the eastern region of Donetsk.

On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy put one of Ukraine's most senior generals, land forces chief Mykhailo Drapatyi, in charge of the strategic command that oversees a vast chunk of frontline including Pokrovsk.

"He's a well-respected commander and his appointment might lead to improved command and control and coordination between units on the frontline, which has remained a challenge for Ukraine over the past year," said Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the U.S.-based Foreign Policy Research Institute.

Russia's assaults on the Pokrovsk front are largely conducted by small groups of infantry that use villages and treelines to dig in, said military spokesman Trehubov.

Phoenix, the deputy brigade commander, said the Russians had recently started using a new tactic - sending three- or four-man infantry squads deep into enemy territory to ambush Ukrainian soldiers and vehicles with the help of anti-tank mines.

However, he added that overall the assaults had become slightly less intense over the past month, and that Russia was firing less artillery than six months ago.

Pasi Paroinen, an analyst with the Finland-based Black Bird Group, said Ukraine struggled to beat back Russia's small infantry assaults because it lacked sufficient manpower of its own to comprehensively cover the front lines.

Kyiv has faced long-running recruitment and mobilisation issues, and last year there was a rise in soldiers deserting and absconding from a depleted, tired force.

"Ukrainian units are simply running out of infantry," Paroinen said.

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Ukrainian army faces ‘desertion crisis’ – Guardian

The Ukrainian military is grappling with a significant desertion crisis which could worsen if the conflict with Russia continues, The Guardian reported on Friday. The issue has recently garnered international attention following reports of mass desertions from a French-trained Ukrainian brigade.

The Guardian interviewed two Ukrainian soldiers who had abandoned their posts, citing disorganization within the army and the overwhelming strength of Russian forces. One of them described chaotic command structures and a lack of essential supplies, while the other highlighted the psychological toll of facing a well-equipped adversary.

There is a pervasive fear among potential recruits, a stereotype that “if you join up, you will be dead in five minutes,” Andrey Grebenuyk, a sergeant major of an infantry battalion, told the publication.

The 155th Mechanized Brigade, trained in France, has faced scrutiny due to reports of mass desertions and internal mismanagement. Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation launched a probe into the allegations last week.

In response to the recruitment shortfall, the Ukrainian parliament is debating measures to attract more recruits. Reforms are being finalized to encourage 18- to 25-year-olds, currently exempt from mobilization, to enlist voluntarily.

Ukraine’s commissioner for protecting service members’ rights, Olga Reshetilova, suggested to The Guardian that the recruitment crisis could be alleviated if Kiev’s allies deployed their own troops. European leaders have been discussing the potential deployment of a peacekeeping force to Ukraine, contingent upon an eventual ceasefire agreement with Russia.

Earlier this month, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky suggested that at least 200,000 allied troops might be necessary to ensure a peace deal is secure. However, a NATO deployment could provoke a significant response from Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously cautioned against such an “extremely dangerous step,” warning that it could potentially lead to “a global catastrophe.” Putin has also dismissed the idea that Western troops could alter the situation on the battlefield.

Aleksey Zhuravlev, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma’s Defense Committee, stated last week that if the US-backed military bloc or an individual member country sends troops to Ukraine, Russia could announce a new stage of mobilization as it would see the move as direct aggression.

Zhuravlev went on to stress that Russia had enough reserves and resources to respond to any potential NATO deployment.

Reuters/RT

China’s capital city of Beijing is all set to host an interesting half-marathon that will set thousands of human runners against dozens of bipedal robots developed by some of the world’s leading robotics companies.

This coming April, the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (E-Town) will be hosting an interesting running event for both humans and human-like robots. 12,000 people are expected to take part in the event alongside dozens of bipedal robots developed by major robotics companies, including Tesla, Boston Dynamics and 1X, making this one of the strangest half-marathons in history. Participating robots will need to have a human-inspired appearance, be between 0.5 and 2 meters tall (so no giant mechs allowed), and have the ability to run or at least walk on two legs. The winners, be they human or robot, will receive prize money depending on their performance.

Do the robots have a chance to win against humans? Well, we’ll have to wait until April to find out, but experts say seasoned human runners still have an edge against bipedal robots. The robots’ speeds reportedly range from 8 to 12 km/h, whereas finishing a 21.1-kilometer half-marathon in an hour and a half requires an average speed of 14 km/h. Plus, battery autonomy is likely to be a major factor, as organizers have already announced that battery swapping mid-race is allowed.

This won’t be the first time robots compete in official running events. Last year, Laibo 2, a quadruped robot developed in South Korea, became the first robot to ever complete a full marathon on a single charge. Sadly, it won’t be able to take part in April’s half-marathon, as the event is only open to bipedal robots.

In October of last year, Tiangong, a Chinese-made bipedal robot technically took part in the Yizhuang Half Marathon in Beijing, but really only ran alongside human runners for 100 meters for a photo op. Tiangong will be at the starting line in April as well, hoping to actually run the whole race this time around.

Oddity Central

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced a revenue collection of N21.6 trillion for the year 2024, surpassing its target of N19.4 trillion. This was disclosed by the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, during his keynote address at the opening of a two-day 2025 FIRS Management retreat held at Fraser Suites, Abuja, on Thursday. The Service has set a revenue target of N25.2 trillion for 2025.

Comparative Analysis of FIRS Revenue in Dollar Terms

While the revenue figures in Naira show significant growth over the past three years, a comparative analysis in US Dollars reveals the impact of the massive devaluation of the local currency on the real value of collections.

- 2022:

  - Revenue: N10.18 trillion

  - Average Exchange Rate: $1 = N454

  - Value in USD: $22.42 billion

- 2023:

  - Revenue: N12.37 trillion

  - Average Exchange Rate: $1 = N700

  - Value in USD: $17.67 billion

- 2024:

  - Revenue: N21.6 trillion

  - Average Exchange Rate: $1 = N1,465

  - Value in USD: $14.74 billion

Despite the growth in Naira terms, the real value of FIRS collections in USD has declined over the past three years due to the depreciation of the Naira. In 2022, the revenue was worth $22.42 billion, but by 2024, it had decreased to $14.74 billion, reflecting the challenges posed by continuous devaluation of the Naira.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nigeria has documented a dramatic increase in human rights violation complaints throughout 2024, with total complaints exceeding 2 million cases. This represents a remarkable surge from just 1,147 complaints in January 2024 to 355,726 in December 2024.

Key Developments

Dashboard Implementation

- Launched February 14, 2024

- Serves as a monthly analytical tool and graphical presentation system

- Functions as both a data collection mechanism and advocacy platform

- Provides comprehensive overview of human rights concerns across Nigeria

Statistical Analysis

The dramatic increase in complaints shows the following pattern:

- January 2024: 1,147 complaints

- December 2024: 355,726 complaints

- Total 2024: Over 2 million complaints

This exponential growth suggests either:

1. Increased public awareness and accessibility of reporting mechanisms

2. Growing trust in the NHRC's ability to address violations

3. Possible deterioration of human rights conditions

4. Enhanced data collection and reporting capabilities

Strategic Significance

The dashboard serves multiple purposes:

- Acts as a call to action for stakeholders

- Provides a data-driven advocacy tool

- Creates accountability mechanisms

- Enables tracking of human rights trends

- Facilitates stakeholder engagement and discussion

Analysis and Implications

Positive Indicators

1. Improved Reporting Infrastructure: The implementation of the dashboard observatory demonstrates modernization of human rights monitoring in Nigeria.

2. Increased Transparency: Monthly public reporting shows commitment to openness and accountability.

3. Enhanced Documentation: Systematic tracking enables better response and policy formation.

Concerns

1. Scale of Increase: The dramatic rise in complaints (from 1,147 to 355,726 monthly) requires careful investigation into underlying causes.

2. Resource Strain: Such high volumes of complaints may overwhelm NHRC's processing capacity.

3. Systemic Issues: The large number of complaints might indicate widespread systemic human rights challenges.

Israel releases Palestinian prisoners after delay over chaotic hostage handover

Hamas freed three Israeli and five Thai hostages in Gaza on Thursday and Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners after delaying the process in anger at the swarming crowds at one of the hostage handover points.

Arbel Yehoud, 29, abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz in the Hamas-led assault on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, looked fearful and struggled to walk through the crowd as armed militants handed her to the Red Cross in a tense scene in the southern city of Khan Younis.

Another Israeli hostage, Gadi Moses, 80, was also released along with five Thai nationals who were working on Israeli farms near Gaza when the militants burst through the border fence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the sight of their chaotic handover was shocking and threatened death to anyone hurting hostages.

He and Defence Minister Israel Katz said they had ordered a delay in the releases of the prisoners "until the safe exit of our hostages in the next phases is assured". The prime minister's office said later that mediators had committed to ensuring the safe passage of hostages in future handovers.

Later on Thursday, buses arrived in the West Bank city of Ramallah carrying some of the 110 Palestinian prisoners to be freed as part of the phased agreement that halted more than 15 months of war in the coastal territory on Jan. 19.

The prisoners were met by cheering crowds in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory, with men chanting "we sacrifice our souls and blood for you."

Zakaria Zubaidi, one of the leaders of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas' rival the Fatah group, was the most prominent Palestinian prisoner to be freed. He escaped prison in 2021 with three other inmates but was then recaptured.

Zubaidi has always been known as the strongman of the West Bank city of Jenin, a hotbed of Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation and site of frequent Israeli army raids, including a major operation just a week ago.

"Thank God who blessed me with the release today. May the souls of the martyrs of Gaza rest in peace," Zubaidi told jubilant crowds who had gathered to greet him in Ramallah.

Asked about reports Israel would not allow him to return home to the Jenin refugee camp, Zubaidi replied, "The dragon is the owner of the land and the hunter must leave".

He is known in Jenin as the dragon.

CLASHES IN RAMALLAH

Palestinian health officials said at least 14 Palestinians were hurt by Israeli fire, some with live and rubber bullets, others from gas inhalation, as they gathered at the entrance to Ramallah to welcome the freed detainees.

Video footage showed Palestinians throwing stones towards police and then running away as police began firing.

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

Some prisoners from East Jerusalem had arrived at their homes while others were taken to Gaza or deported to Egypt.

Earlier, in Jabalia in northern Gaza, an Israeli soldier, Agam Berger, wearing an olive green uniform, was led through a narrow alley between heavily damaged buildings and over piles of rubble before being handed to the Red Cross.

"Our daughter is strong, faithful, and brave," a statement from her family said. "Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process, but the recovery will not be complete until all the hostages return home."

A video released by Netanyahu's office showed a pale Berger crying and smiling while sitting on her mother's lap.

Footage of 80-year-old Moses reuniting with his family showed him walking unaided. A doctor said Moses was in a relatively good condition but would continue to be monitored.

Netanyahu has faced criticism in Israel for not having sealed a hostage deal earlier in the war after the security failure that enabled the Oct. 7 Hamas assault.

HAMAS DEFIANCE

Hamas, which Israel has vowed to obliterate, still has a strong presence in Gaza despite more than 15 months of heavy bombardment from the Middle East's most advanced military and the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Al-Sinwar.

"The killing of leaders only makes the people stronger and more stubborn," senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said of Sinwar, filmed by an Israeli drone badly wounded throwing a piece of wood at the device in his final defiance of Israel.

The release in Khan Younis took place near the bombed ruins of Sinwar's house.

The Palestinian prisoners include 30 minors and some convicted members of Palestinian groups responsible for deadly attacks that have killed dozens of people in Israel.

Israelis gathered in what has become known as Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, cheering and crying as they watched the release on a giant screen. The hostages will be taken to hospital for treatment.

Some people cheered as U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived at the square, in apparent gratitude for his role in securing the ceasefire deal. He shook hands with family members of hostages and others.

Around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 hostages were abducted in the Hamas attack in Israel, the bloodiest single attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Among the dead and abducted were dozens of Thai agricultural workers.

Israel's military response has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians and laid waste to the enclave of 2.3 million people, who face severe shortages of medicine, fuel and food.

Around half the hostages were released in November 2023 during the only previous truce, and others have been recovered dead or alive during Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Hundreds of thousands of Gazans, most displaced repeatedly during the conflict, have returned to their neighbourhoods in the north, where the fighting was most intense. Many have found their homes to be uninhabitable and basic goods in short supply.

Israel still lists 82 captives in Gaza, with around 30 declared dead in absentia.

In the course of the war triggered by the Hamas attack, Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas as well as Lebanon's Hezbollah, striking major blows against Iran's network of proxies in the Middle East. The fall of Iran-backed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was also a boost for Israel.

After the hostages were released, Hamas confirmed that military leader Mohammed Deif, who masterminded the Oct. 7 attack, had been killed, more than five months after Israel claimed in August to have killed him in a July airstrike.

Reuters