Wife announces birth of boy and girl in Qalqilya, while Israeli prison authorities question claims and cite lack of scientific verification

QALQILYA: Palestinian prisoner Basel Al-Asmar has reportedly fathered twins after his sperm was allegedly smuggled from Israel’s Nafha Prison, according to his wife and Palestinian media reports.

Sanabel Al-Ra’i announced the birth of a boy and girl at a hospital in Qalqilya. Palestinian media reported that the couple achieved the pregnancy after several attempts over approximately two years.

However, the paternity claim has not been independently verified.

Asmar is serving a life sentence and additional prison terms for his involvement in the 2001 killing of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze’evi and for membership in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

Palestinian Media Reports Similar Cases Since 2012

According to Palestinian reports, Al-Ra’i first encountered Asmar while visiting her imprisoned brother, Shaher Al-Ra’i, and the couple later married by proxy.

Furthermore, Palestinian media claim that prisoners have fathered more than 100 children through sperm allegedly smuggled from Israeli detention facilities since 2012.

In another widely reported case, prisoner Ahmed Shamali reportedly fathered quadruplets in 2023 following a similar alleged operation.

Such cases have attracted considerable attention in Palestinian society while generating controversy among Israeli officials over prison security.

Israeli Prison Service Disputes Current Smuggling Claims

Meanwhile, the Israel Prison Service said no scientific evidence had established that Asmar fathered the newborn twins.

The prison authority also maintained that sperm smuggling has not been possible since October 7, 2023, citing significant changes in detention policies.

According to the service, Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi introduced stricter measures that substantially restricted prisoners’ contact with the outside world after taking office.

Consequently, Israeli authorities questioned whether any alleged transfer connected to the reported pregnancy occurred under current prison conditions.

Neither independent medical evidence confirming the twins’ paternity nor verified details explaining when and how the alleged smuggling took place have been publicly released.