Palestinian prisoners released as part of a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal have shared disturbing accounts of their time in Israeli jails, describing conditions as inhumane and brutal.
On Sunday, buses carrying 90 freed Palestinians, mainly women and teenagers, left Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank, greeted by jubilant scenes of families cheering, waving flags, and embracing their loved ones.
Abdelaziz Atawneh, one of the freed prisoners, told Reuters, “I left hell and now I’m in heaven.” He described the abuse he endured, including physical violence, tear gas attacks in cells, and constant verbal insults. “There is no food, no sweets, no salt. There is nothing,” he said.
Eighteen-year-old Rose Khwais, another freed inmate, compared her treatment to that of animals. “We leave the cells like chickens and then we are returned to our cells,” she recalled. Khwais also spoke of the lack of medical care, recounting the severe health problems she faced without adequate treatment.
As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel is expected to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners over the coming weeks in phases. While this mass release marks a significant step in the fragile truce, the harrowing testimonies of the freed prisoners highlight the dire conditions endured by Palestinians in Israeli detention.
