Greta Thunberg alleges she was subjected to abuse and torture in an Israeli prison, including neglect, physical injuries, and poor conditions, and criticizes the Swedish embassy for their inadequate response; she was eventually deported after five days.
Amnesty International referred to the death of Palestinian terrorist Walid Daqqah, responsible for ordering the kidnap, castration, and murder of an Israeli teenager, as "heart-wrenching", lamenting his "endless nightmare" in an Israeli jail. Daqqah, who had bone marrow cancer, died at 62 after spending 38 years imprisoned. His death sparked criticism of Israel's treatment of Palestinian prisoners, with claims of medical neglect and denial of family visits. The terrorist's sentence was extended after smuggling phones into prison, and his request for early release due to deteriorating health was denied. The family of the victim opposed his release, and his death was seen as a victory for them and Israel.
Israeli prisons have become a rite of passage for Palestinian boys in the village of Nabi Saleh, where generations of boys have been arrested and imprisoned. The Israeli military defends the large-scale arrests of Palestinians, including minors, as necessary for security reasons, while Palestinian activists and human rights groups argue that the mass detentions are meant to instill fear and crush resistance. The recent release of Wisam Tamimi, who was held in Israel's Ofer Prison for six months, along with the release of his activist cousin Ahed Tamimi, has brought both joy and pain to the village. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has left scars on Nabi Saleh, which was once an idyllic village but now faces frequent raids and violence from Israeli forces.
Ubai Youssef Abu Maria, an 18-year-old Palestinian detainee, was released from Israeli prison after being held for two months without being charged or tried. Upon returning home, he enjoyed a breakfast of his favorite dish and got a haircut to feel more normal. Ubai's parents were overjoyed to see him, especially considering his injured arm. He described the inhumane treatment he endured in prison, including being denied medical care. Now free, Ubai plans to continue his arm treatment and pursue a career in car electrics while cherishing time with his family.
Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi, along with more than two dozen other women and children, has been released from Israeli prisons in a hostage exchange. Tamimi, who was arrested without charges, was among thousands detained during the Israeli military's crackdown in the occupied West Bank. Her release comes amidst ongoing threats of violence against her family by Israeli settlers and security forces. The exchange also included the release of Suhair al-Barghouti, a 64-year-old woman who had been held in administrative detention without access to medication. The year 2023 has been the deadliest for Palestinians in the West Bank since 2005, with at least 225 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces.
Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi, known for her high-profile protests against the Israeli occupation, has been released from an Israeli prison as part of a captive exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. Tamimi gained international attention in 2017 after a video of her slapping and kicking Israeli soldiers went viral. Her release comes alongside 29 other Palestinian prisoners, as part of ongoing exchanges between Israel and Hamas. Tamimi's imprisonment drew attention to the issue of Palestinian minors detained in Israeli prisons.
Marah Bakeer, a Palestinian woman, has been released from an Israeli prison after serving eight years for allegedly attempting to stab an Israeli officer. She was one of 39 Palestinian women and children released in exchange for 13 Hamas captives under a Qatar-mediated deal. Bakeer's family celebrated her return, but Israeli forces warned against any show of joy or celebration. Despite her happiness, Bakeer expressed devastation over the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza.
Talal Sayyad, whose niece was sentenced to 13 years in an Israeli prison for attempted murder, says there will be no celebration if she is released, despite the family's new hope due to the anticipated release of Palestinian prisoners as part of a deal between Hamas and Israel. The family has continuously denied the charges against her.