Sixty Palestinian detainees released by Israel arrived at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis on Monday, transported by the International Committee of the Red Cross. The individuals were visibly frail and injured upon arrival, with some unable to walk unassisted. Medical teams and family members gathered to receive them at the facility.
This release represents the largest prisoner exchange since the initial phase of a ceasefire took effect in October. According to Israeli rights organization HaMoked, approximately 1,300 people from Gaza remain held by Israel classified as “unlawful combatants.” Israeli authorities stated the released individuals had undergone interrogations that determined they no longer posed security concerns.
Multiple detainees described severe conditions during their confinement. One individual, Abdullah Kilani, reported being detained since December 2024 after being seized in central Gaza and held for over 18 months, during which he and another prisoner were shot. Another detainee identified as Abu Ibrahim described being forced to sit on bare concrete and metal slabs and recounted being beaten by guards using rifle butts. Mohammed Jabr al-Majdalawi, 43, stated he was imprisoned for one year and nine months, learning of his release only upon meeting Red Cross personnel for transfer.
The detainees had been held across several Israeli facilities identified as Ofer, Negev, and Sde Teiman prisons. Rights organizations have documented allegations of systematic abuse at these locations, including beatings, medical neglect, food deprivation, and prolonged restraint. Current figures indicate approximately 9,600 Palestinians are held by Israel, including children. A United Nations commission reported last month that Palestinian children in Israeli detention experienced torture and sexual abuse, while the ICRC stated it has been unable to access Palestinian detainees since October 2023.
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