On the eve of Secretary Kerry’s most recent visit, Israel freed 88 Palestinian inmates, transferring them to the occupied West Bank. This announcement follows the largest single transfer of Palestinians since the beginning of the occupation, nearly 2,000. Approximately 1,700 of those folks were picked up in Gaza during the current war. Other families had cause to rejoice, welcoming home loved ones who survived. Many experienced fear and intimidation when added security layered fear on top of celebration and increased community tensions.
The release of these prisoners lit up streets around the country on that day as long-separated families rejoiced over their homecomings. For some, it was the first time in decades, as many had waited years for their loved ones to return home. Even after spending 23 years behind bars, Hani al-Zeer finds it hard to articulate what he has endured. More than anything, he fears fallout from Israeli security services.
“They came to warn us not to hold celebrations, not to raise flags or banners, not to gather in the diwan [hall]. These days, the hardest thing is to speak the truth,” – Hani al-Zeer’s relative.
The safety of Palestinian prisoners inside Israeli jails has been a longstanding issue. Everyone including recently released prisoners, painted a bleak picture of conditions while incarcerated. In fact, one person had the audacity to declare those two final years incarcerated the “worst two years of his life.” Most of these people let go were lifers. They had been convicted of violent attacks against Israelis, including lethal murder and other fatal assaults.
Prior to the release, Israeli authorities circulated two lists: one detailing prisoners who would return to their homes and another for those who would be deported to Gaza. The lack of guardrails around these lists created a real crisis for immediate families. Many family members had been led to believe their loved ones would be released, only for them to not get on the buses.
Um Abed, patiently awaiting her son Kamal Imran’s release, was shocked to realize he may be deported rather than released.
“We’ve been waiting here for his release for two days. We’re shocked to hear this. The Israelis stormed our house and told us we were forbidden from doing any kind of celebration – so he should be released,” – Um Abed expressed.
Raed Imran, another family member with lost relatives, expressed frustration over the failure by Israeli officials to provide clear guidance on the status of missing loved ones.
“It would have been easier if they just told us from the beginning. We don’t know where he is. Egypt? Gaza? We are devastated,” – Raed Imran stated.
Across the emotional strife, Israeli security forces boastfully escalated surveillance and policing of families of freed prisoners. In a recent report, Human Rights Watch found that Israeli security services had visited six relatives. They threatened these people with jailing them if they did have any victory parties. These tactics involved shooting teargas at relatives and journalists trying to film the heartbreaking reunions.
According to statistics from the Israeli NGO HaMoked, prior to this latest release, 11,056 Palestinians were held in Israeli prisons. This figure represents just some of the many complexities that continue to surround the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the fight of families separated by imprisonment.
As families navigate this maze of emotions—joy for reunions tempered by uncertainty and fear—they continue to seek clarity and resolutions in a conflict that shows little sign of abating. For these newly freed prisoners, it is overwhelmingly cause for celebration. It is a reminder of the real battles families must still fight today in an era of discord and dangers to communities.