The Israeli occupation released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners on Monday as part of the first phase of a prisoner-exchange deal with Hamas, while imposing severe restrictions on public celebrations in the West Bank and Gaza.

Occupation forces prevented gatherings, confiscated Palestinian flags, and assaulted journalists covering the event with tear gas.

According to occupation sources, 1,718 prisoners were released, including 195 serving life sentences, while over 100 names were excluded by the Shin Bet for “security reasons.”