GAZA: Palestinians freed from Israeli jails as part of a landmark prisoner exchange have accused Israeli authorities of beatings, starvation, and systematic abuse during their detention. The claims surfaced hours after the signing of a Gaza ceasefire agreement involving the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye.
The ceasefire deal, hailed by Donald Trump as a step toward “lasting peace in the Middle East,” included the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, with 154 exiled to Egypt. In return, Hamas released 20 surviving Israeli captives and handed over the bodies of four others.
According to Gaza’s health authorities, Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 67,869 people and injured 170,105 since the conflict erupted in October 2023. On the Israeli side, 1,139 people were killed in the October 7 attacks, and around 200 were taken hostage.
Tearful Reunions Overshadowed by Torture and Neglect Claims
Across parts of the occupied West Bank, families gathered in emotional scenes to welcome the return of their loved ones. But celebrations were tempered by harrowing accounts of abuse inside Israeli prisons, including severe beatings, food deprivation, and medical negligence.
“It’s like coming from hell to heaven,” said former detainee Yasser Abu Turki in an interview with Al Jazeera. “It’s a mixture of feelings I can’t describe — pain, joy, and something strange.”
Hidaya Dar Ahmed, the sister of another released prisoner, revealed that her family had “no clue” about her brother’s health for nearly two years.
“Throughout these two years, he has not received any treatment, nothing… It’s deliberate negligence by the Israeli prison administration,” she added.
UN Expert Warns: ‘Do Not Look Away’
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, voiced alarm after reports emerged that Israeli forces were blocking celebrations for released detainees in the West Bank.
“They call it peace, but for the Palestinians, it risks to be Apartheid at its worst,” Albanese posted on social media.
“All eyes must remain on Palestine. People of the world, do not look away now.”
Thousands Still in Detention
Despite the mass prisoner release, Palestinian officials stated that more than 10,000 Palestinians remain unlawfully detained in Israel. At least 77 Palestinians have died in Israeli detention centres over the past two years, and 360 children are still behind bars.
Authorities confirmed that 1,968 Palestinians have been freed since the start of the exchange, but human rights advocates continue to demand the release of the remaining detainees and international oversight of detention conditions.
A Critical Moment for Peace Efforts
While the ceasefire deal marks a significant diplomatic development, the testimonies of released detainees highlight deep human rights concerns and the fragility of the peace process. International observers say sustained pressure will be required to address alleged violations and prevent further escalation.
