Israel 'bans' distributing candy over freeing of Palestinian prisoners

Israeli authorities have outlined strict conditions for Palestinian detainees from occupied East Jerusalem that are due to be released as part of an exchange deal between Palestinian groups and Israel. 

According to the Palestinian Prisoner Club, which monitors detainees' affairs, the restrictions given to prisoners and their families include a ban on distributing candy as part of family celebrations. 

Additionally, prisoners and their families were forbidden from speaking to the media, holding community gatherings, or displaying any form of celebration. 

Any violation of these conditions would result in a 70,000 Israeli shekels ($18,700) fine, according to the Palestinian Prisoner Club. 

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir had previously said he would crack down on any attempt to celebrate prisoner releases in Jerusalem.

According to Israeli media, Ben Gvir told police commissioner Kobi Shabtai to use “an iron fist” against attempts to celebrate prisoner releases.

He also called for the police force to increase their presence near the homes of those expected to be released.