The release of captives from Gaza has sparked starkly different reactions in Israel and Palestine, highlighting the deep-seated tensions and inequalities that define the conflict. While Israeli captives returned home to scenes of jubilation, with communities gathering to celebrate their freedom, Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli custody have been met with harsh restrictions and repression.Israeli authorities have explicitly banned any form of public celebration for Palestinian prisoners, deeming such displays as support for “terrorism.” This stark contrast underscores the asymmetry in how the two sides are treated, even in moments that should bring relief and reunion for families.
One incident that has drawn attention to this disparity is the case of Ashraf Zghair, a 46-year-old Palestinian who was released after spending 23 years in Israeli prisons, during which he was sentenced to six life terms. Zghair’s return home on January 25 was met with joy by his family and neighbors, but their celebration was short-lived. The Israeli army launched a retaliatory operation the very next day, and Zghair’s brother, Amir, a father of four, was arrested. Mounir Zghair, Ashraf’s father and the spokesperson for the Jerusalem Prisoners of War Association, condemned the arrest, stating that it had no legal basis and that the family was not informed of any rules they had supposedly violated. This incident has become a symbol of the broader pattern of restrictions imposed on Palestinian prisoners and their families, who are often punished for expressing joy at their loved ones’ freedom.
The restrictions on Palestinian prisoners and their families extend far beyond the immediate aftermath of their release. Many families have revealed that they are prohibited from hosting reception parties, distributing sweets, or even speaking to the media about their experiences. These measures are part of Israel’s broader strategy to suppress any form of celebration or acknowledgment of Palestinian prisoners’ release, framing it as support for “terrorism.” Lawyer Mohamed Mahmoud, who specializes in Palestinian prisoner cases, explained that the consequences of defying these restrictions can be severe, including the arrest of family members for displaying symbols associated with Palestinian groups, such as the green flag of Hamas. This approach not only seeks to erase the visibility of Palestinian prisoners’ struggles but also aims to maintain a narrative that equates their release with terrorism, further entrenching the occupation’s control over every aspect of Palestinian life.
The harsh conditions faced by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have also come under scrutiny, particularly in light of the recent release of captives. While the international community has focused on the condition of three Israeli captives released from Gaza, who appeared emaciated, there has been little attention paid to the plight of Palestinian prisoners who emerge from Israeli detention in similar states, many requiring hospitalization. One such case is that of Adam al-Hadra, an 18-year-old Palestinian from the occupied West Bank, who was released in late January after being detained in November 2023. Al-Hadra described the indescribable joy of being reunited with his family but also spoke of the immense suffering he endured in prison, including humiliation, hunger, and illness. His freedom, however, came with immediate restrictions, as he was banned from entering Jerusalem’s Old City, a move he described as yet another way for the occupation to assert its control over Palestinians.
The precarious legal status of released Palestinian prisoners further exacerbates their struggles. Many are released without any legal documentation explaining the terms of their freedom, leaving them in a state of “legal limbo.” Legal expert Nadia Daqqa highlighted the dangers of this situation, noting that Israeli law allows the government to re-arrest prisoners once the political or security interests that led to their release no longer apply. This creates a reality where prisoners are never truly free, living under the constant threat of being returned to detention. This issue is particularly pressing for the thousands of Palestinians held in “administrative detention,” a system under which detainees are imprisoned without charge or trial. While administrative detention was once rarely used on Israelis, it is now almost exclusively applied to Palestinians, further cementing the systemic discrimination that defines Israel’s legal framework.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, there is a persistent sense of hope among Palestinians. As Adam al-Hadra reflected, “After hardship comes ease,” a sentiment echoed by many who have endured the brutal conditions of Israeli prisons. However, the systemic mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners and the legal frameworks that enable it remain a grave concern. A recent report by the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor exposed the alarming conditions in Israeli prisons, describing them as part of a “systematic framework inherently aimed at torturing and mistreating Palestinian prisoners.” The report also criticized the international community’s complicity in Israel’s impunity, which has allowed these abuses to continue unchecked. For Palestinians, the struggle for true freedom and justice is far from over, but their resilience and determination to resist occupation and oppression remain unbroken.
