Israeli occupation practices “systematic terrorism” against prisoners recently released in exchange deal
RAMALLAH, Jan. 28 (YPA) – The Palestinian Prisoners Club confirmed on Tuesday that the Israeli occupation is practicing “systematic terrorism” against the prisoners released in the recent exchange deal and their families, including threats of death, arrest, and home damage.
The club said in a statement that the occupation had warned families against organizing any celebrations to mark the release of their imprisoned sons. This included prohibitions on raising flags or banners, with threats to target locations where well-wishers might assemble. These warnings were conveyed through communications directed at all the families of the released prisoners.
The statement indicated that the occupation has escalated its aggressive actions over the past two weeks following the initiation of the first phase of the exchange deal stemming from the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. This phase involved the gradual release of 290 male and female prisoners.
The club characterized these policies as efforts to diminish the symbolic significance of the Palestinian prisoner and their role in the collective Palestinian consciousness.
The statement cited examples of families that were raided, including the family of released prisoner Ammar al-Shoubaki from Qalqilya, where his brothers faced attacks from the occupation forces and received direct threats. The home of prisoner Raed Badwan was also raided on the day of his release, causing him to suffer a health problem that required him to be transferred to the hospital.
The club stated that the occupation prison administration and repressive forces used abuse and violence against released prisoners, as confirmed by testimonies. The assaults lasted several days, leaving visible marks on some prisoners, including those forcibly deported to Gaza or Egypt.
The occupation forces also stormed Balata camp during the reception of released prisoner Fahd al-Sawalihi and opened fire with the intent to kill, according to the statement.
Among the violations that the released prisoners were subjected to was the detention of one of them only two days after his release at a military checkpoint in the Hebron Governorate while he was on his way to receive treatment. During his detention, he was subjected to abuse despite suffering from old injuries and a deteriorating health condition.
On Tuesday morning, the occupation forces summoned former prisoner Ashwaq Awad for a meeting with the intelligence service at Etzion prison. The Prisoners Club has raised concerns regarding the potential re-arrest of released prisoners under Military Order No. 1651 of 2009. This order permits the occupation to re-detain former prisoners based on secret files and impose the remainder of their sentences.
The ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which officially began on January 19, is being implemented in phases. The initial stage will span 42 days, during which negotiations will aim to finalize two additional stages with mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. As part of the first phase, 33 Israeli prisoners are to be exchanged for the release of 737 Palestinian detainees. Additionally, displaced Palestinians from the southern part of the Strip have begun returning north, a process that started Monday morning following an agreement on the fate of Israeli prisoner Arbel Yehud.
YPA