DaysofPal- The Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) has strongly condemned the Israeli occupation’s decision to delay the release of the seventh batch of Palestinian prisoners, labeling it as a form of “organized terrorism” aimed at undermining the joy of freedom for both the detainees and their families. In a statement released on Sunday, the club criticized Israeli ongoing policy of humiliation, abuse, and intimidation against Palestinian prisoners and their loved ones.
Israeli Tactics: Humiliation and Threats
According to the rights group, the Israeli occupation has employed every tool of humiliation, abuse, and torture against Palestinian prisoners and their families.
The statement highlighted that this systematic approach is not new but has escalated recently, particularly following liberation operations. It emphasized that various Israeli agencies continue to threaten prisoners and their families, with tactics ranging from home raids to acts of sabotage and destruction.
The PPS further accused the Israeli occupation of engaging in organized terrorism against the families of prisoners, including threats of arrest and even killing. These actions, the statement noted, are intended not only to steal the joy of freedom but also to undermine the revered status of Palestinian prisoners within the collective consciousness of the Palestinian people.
Israeli Justification for Delay
In response to the criticism, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the postponement of the release of the seventh batch of Palestinian prisoners. A statement issued by Netanyahu’s office justified the delay, citing “repeated violations by Hamas,” including ceremonies deemed offensive to the dignity of Israeli prisoners and their use for propaganda purposes. The statement declared that the release would be postponed “until the release of the next hostages is guaranteed, and without the humiliating ceremonies.”
Surprise Video from Gaza
During the release of the final batch of the first phase of the prisoner exchange deal, the military wing of Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, broadcast a video showing the handover of three Israeli prisoners—Elia Maimon, Yitzhak Cohen, and Omar Shem Tov—in the Nuseirat area of central Gaza. In a surprising twist, two additional Israeli captives, Avitar David and Guy Gilboa, who were not part of the agreed-upon exchange, were brought to the handover site. Their appearance shocked them as they witnessed their fellow prisoners being freed.
In the video, one of the released prisoners pointed to an olive tree trunk, noting its age exceeded that of the State of Israel. The footage served as a powerful psychological and political message, emphasizing the resilience of the Palestinian people and their connection to the land.
Avitar David and Guy Gilboa used the opportunity to appeal directly to Netanyahu, urging him to expedite negotiations for their release. They warned of the imminent resumption of hostilities, which they feared could endanger their lives.
Assault on Detainees Before Release
On Saturday, Israeli occupation forces reportedly assaulted the Palestinian prisoners included in the seventh batch of the exchange deal, despite the Palestinian resistance handing over six agreed-upon Israeli prisoners. Nahed Al-Fakhouri, the media official for the Office of Martyrs, Wounded, and Prisoners in Hamas, confirmed the delays and violations surrounding the release process. He stated that the prisoners were assaulted before their scheduled liberation.
Al-Fakhouri added that the occupation was attempting to manipulate some of the names of prisoners set for release. Despite these challenges, he reiterated Hamas’ commitment to releasing all Israeli prisoners in exchange for the freedom of all Palestinian detainees.
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