Gaza Set to Pelease 156 prisoners Sunday to Mark the Start of Ramadan

Desperate and traumatized refugees in Gaza

Gaza City, 29 Sya’ban 1437/05 June 2016 (MINA) – Gaza’s Interior Ministry announced Saturday that 156 prisoners who have completed more than two-thirds of their prison sentences would be released on Sunday as a government gesture to mark the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

Officials from the interior ministry told Ma’an that they hope that the soon to be released prisoners take the opportunity to become virtuous citizens and position themselves in positive roles in their societies.

The Hamas-led government in the besieged Gaza Strip has provided amnesty for several hundred prisoners over recent years as a goodwill gesture to prepare for the start of Ramadan.

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Each year the released prisoners must have served more than two-thirds of their prison sentences and displayed good conduct while imprisoned.

Gaza, which Israel only views through the lens of security rather than that of human dignity, is one of the most densely populated areas in the world with 1.4 million living in 360 square kilometers.

The situation is desperate here in the besieged enclave and the coastal strip that is abundant with nothing except human beings. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)