The Biden administration said it would remove Cuba from its terrorism blacklist, while Cuba said separately it would release upward of 500 prisoners from its jails.

In a dramatic announcement just days before a leadership transition, President Joe Biden revealed plans to remove Cuba from the U.S. terrorism blacklist and ease sanctions on the island. These measures aim to reverse strict policies enacted years earlier and pave the way for improved relations between the two nations.

Hundreds of prisoners set to be released as part of agreement with outgoing Biden administration that removes Cuba from terrorism-sponsor list

Ferrer, the leader of the dissident organization Patriotic Union of Cuba, had previously been in prison because of his political opposition to the communist government.

Cuba has released prominent dissident José Daniel Ferrer from jail, as part of a Cuban government decision to gradually free more than 500 prisoners as part of talks with the Vatican

There is joy among families of those freed, but also concern that the deal may not last for long.