Hamas calls for solidarity, liberation on eve of Prisoners' Day
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On the eve of Palestinian Prisoners' Day, Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas calls for the liberation of all prisoners.
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Mohammad Khatib, 37, center, one of ten Palestinians released by the Israeli regime, sits next to two other freed prisoners at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah, Monday, April 14, 2025 (AP)
On the eve of Palestinian Prisoners’ Day, the Hamas movement has called for Thursday to be observed as a day of solidarity with Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. The group urged Palestinians, Arabs, and the international community to stand united in support of their cause.
In a statement released Wednesday evening, Hamas described the occasion as "a renewed opportunity to remind the world of the prisoners’ legitimate right to freedom and to expose the brutality of the crimes and violations they face." The movement said the day also serves as a platform to advocate for their "just national cause."
Over 14,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons
The commemoration comes amid what Hamas described as a "tragic reality," with nearly 14,000 Palestinians currently held in Israeli prisons. Among them are women, children, and approximately 2,000 detainees from the Gaza Strip, who have been in custody since the commencement of the Israeli invasion of Gaza, according to Israeli acknowledgments.
The movement emphasized that these prisoners are subjected to severe physical and psychological torture and are deprived of basic human rights. It said that 63 prisoners have died in custody, the latest being a child, Walid Ahmad, who reportedly died as a result of a "deliberate starvation policy."
Hamas reaffirmed that securing the release of prisoners remains a central priority, particularly as part of its proposed "Flood of Freedom" prisoner exchange deal. "The crimes of the occupation against our prisoners will not succeed in breaking their resolve," the group stated. "Their tormentors will not escape accountability, and justice will prevail—no matter how much time passes."
The group also held the Israeli occupation fully responsible for the lives and safety of all prisoners, especially those detained from Gaza since October 7. It condemned the international community's silence regarding "ongoing executions and deliberate killings" in Israeli prisons.
Hamas urges international action, accountability
Hamas highlighted its treatment of Israeli captives as a contrast to Israeli conduct, claiming the group upheld humane standards and ethical treatment. It accused the Israeli government of practicing "brutal torture, premeditated killing, and systemic abuse," in violation of international humanitarian law and global conventions.
The group urged human rights organizations to expose Israeli violations and to push for international legal action against those responsible. It called on legal and humanitarian bodies to advocate for the immediate release of all Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas concluded its statement by urging the Palestinian people to continue their support for detainees. It called on all Palestinian factions and political forces to unify efforts to protect and liberate prisoners by all possible means.
The movement also emphasized the importance of supporting prisoners’ families, acknowledging their sacrifices and central role in the national struggle.
'Israel deliberately killing child detainees'
Speaking to the press, Ahmad’s father confirmed that Israeli authorities had subjected his son to "beatings, starvation, and medical neglect during his time in custody."
"An autopsy report showed that he had lost a significant amount of weight, developed scabies and infections, and had fallen unconscious before his death," he said, stressing, "Israel is deliberately killing child detainees. Walid had no prior health issues. He was starved, left untreated, and ultimately killed."
