Breaking News: Thousands of Palestinians Arrested by Israel Amid Ceasefire Deal
Tens of thousands of Palestinians are being held in Israeli jails, most without charge, as a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel is set to release around 2,000 detainees. The agreement comes after months of conflict in Gaza, which has left widespread destruction and loss of life.
Timeline:
Tensions escalated in May 2021, leading to a full-scale war between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli forces arrested thousands of Palestinians during the conflict, with many held without charge or trial.
The ceasefire deal was announced on August 26, 2021, with the release of detainees expected to begin shortly.
Immediate Impact:
The release of detainees is seen as a crucial step towards rebuilding trust between Israel and Hamas. However, human rights groups have long criticized Israel's treatment of Palestinian prisoners, citing widespread mistreatment and torture.
Background Context:
Israel has been accused of using mass detention to maintain its occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. According to Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, thousands of Palestinians are held in Israeli jails without charge or trial, often subjected to physical and psychological abuse.
What Happens Next:
The release of detainees is expected to begin shortly, with around 2,000 prisoners set to be freed. However, human rights groups will continue to monitor the situation, advocating for the rights of Palestinian prisoners and calling for an end to Israel's policy of mass detention.
Expert Insights:
Naji Abbas, Director of the Prisoners Detainees Department at Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, stated that "the release of detainees is a crucial step towards rebuilding trust between Israel and Hamas. However, we must also address the systemic issues driving mass detention in Israel."
Ubai Aboudi, Executive director at Bisan Center for Research and Development, added that "Israel's policy of mass detention is a clear violation of international law. We urge the international community to take action to end this practice and protect the rights of Palestinian prisoners."
*This story is developing. Information compiled from Aljazeera reporting.*
