Nearly 2000 Palestinian Ex-Prisoners Alleging Torture Freed in Exchange Deal
In a historic move, Israel has released nearly 2,000 Palestinian ex-prisoners, many of them alleging inhumane treatment and torture during their detention. The decision comes as part of a Gaza ceasefire agreement, which saw the release of 20 living Israeli captives, marking the third major exchange between Israel and Hamas since the war began in October 2023.
Prisoners Allege Inhumane Treatment
The freed Palestinians, who were among the 1,968 detainees released, described their experience in Israeli prisons as a slaughterhouse.
Most of them displayed signs of torture and severe beatings, alleging that they were subjected to the cruelest forms of torture
during their detention. Some even have lingering health problems from the violence endured in prison, with afflictions ranging from shoulder injuries to vision problems from beatings.
We were beaten and humiliated,
said Mohammed al-Khalili, who was held for over 19 months without charge. We suffered a lot. But thank God, it's all over now.
Reports also emerged of bodies of Palestinians who died in detention showing signs of torture and being bound at the hands. Despite these releases, the fate of over 9,100 Palestinians remains uncertain as they continue to endure harsh and deteriorating conditions in Israeli custody.
The Exchange Deal and its implications
The exchange deal, which saw the release of 20 Israeli captives held in Gaza, has been marked by emotional scenes and jubilation in Ramallah, and the Gaza strip as crowds welcomed the detainees. Despite the joyous occasion for the released Palestinians and their families, the news was laced with bitterness as 154 of the freed prisoners were forced into exile by Israel.
The transfer, which involved moving the prisoners to Ofer and Ketziot prisons before their release, was not without controversy. Israeli authorities were reported to have raided the homes of several Palestinian prisoners set to be released and threatened their families not to celebrate their return.
The situation has drawn international attention, with China welcoming the prisoner swap while calling for stability in the region.
Looking Forward
Despite these releases, the struggle is far from over for the Palestinian detainees. Over 9,100 Palestinians remain in Israeli jails, many held without charge or trial, facing systematic torture and inhumane treatment. The Israeli Prison Service continues to deny any allegations of violence towards Palestinian prisoners.
As the dust settles on this historic exchange, the focus now shifts to the plight of the remaining Palestinian detainees and the urgent need to address the systemic issues in their treatment. The international community watches on, hopeful for an end to the cycle of violence and injustice.