Israel releases 7 Gaza detainees held under inhumane conditions

By Ramzi Mahmud and Hosni Nedim

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) - The Israeli army released seven Palestinian detainees from Gaza on Thursday after holding them for months in prisons described as lacking basic humanitarian standards.

They were transferred to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza after being released through the Kissufim crossing east of Deir al-Balah, according to medical sources. The prisoners were transported by vehicles operated by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

In a statement, the Red Cross confirmed that it had facilitated the release and helped reunite the detainees with their families. It did not disclose details about their health conditions or the circumstances of their detention, however.

An Anadolu correspondent noted that some of the freed men appeared physically exhausted, though no visible injuries were immediately recorded upon their arrival at the hospital.

No official statements were issued regarding their treatment during detention. However, former prisoners have said that many detainees are released suffering from malnutrition and injuries caused by severe physical abuse in Israeli custody.

The Red Cross also said that Israel continues to block its teams from visiting Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons.

Israel has periodically released Palestinians detained during its ongoing genocide on Gaza.

In earlier statements, the Palestinian Prisoners Society said Israeli forces have arrested thousands of Gaza residents since the war began, often under conditions of secrecy and enforced disappearance.

The group added that detainees face “harsh and terrifying” conditions designed to inflict maximum harm.

The Israeli army, rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, has pursued a brutal offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, killing over 60,200 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.