Hamas committee condemns double standards in Israeli, Palestinian prisoner treatment

The Hamas-affiliated Prisoners Committee has condemned the different treatment of Palestinian and Israeli prisoners, highlighting the international community’s double standards on this issue.

Why it matters

This statement sheds light on the disparity in global responses to the treatment of prisoners, drawing attention to the ongoing violation of Palestinian prisoners’ rights and the lack of international action to hold Israel accountable.

Details

• The Prisoners Committee, in an official statement, criticized the international community for its inaction regarding Israel’s ongoing violations of Palestinian prisoners’ rights.
• The statement referenced the deaths of numerous Palestinian prisoners, including Nasser Abu Hamid, who died in Israeli prisons because of deliberate medical neglect and criticized the global silence on this issue.
• It was pointed out that hundreds of Palestinian prisoners have suffered psychological and physical harm from prolonged torture and mistreatment, with no international outcry when they were released with permanent disabilities.
• The committee also criticized the global reaction to the release of three Israeli prisoners, noting that while their minor weight loss and health conditions received widespread international attention, the same level of concern was never shown for Palestinian prisoners.
• The statement emphasized the hypocrisy of the international community, pointing out that human suffering seems to be treated differently depending on the identity of the victim.
• The committee called for international human rights organizations to take a stronger stand against these violations and to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
• The statement further warned that continuing silence on these issues would only lead to more pressure and suffering for Palestinian prisoners.
• The committee urged international organizations to step out of their biased positions and take moral and legal responsibility in combating these crimes.

Prisoner swap agreement between Hamas, Israel

The most recent exchange of prisoners between Hamas and Israel took place on January 19, with the release of 766 Palestinian prisoners and 16 Israelis and five Thai nationals from Gaza. This was part of a three-phase cease-fire agreement that aims to release over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and 33 Israelis over 42 days.

• On Jan. 27, the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza was opened for the passage of Palestinians from south to north.
• The Rafah Border Crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which had been closed for eight months, was reopened on February 1 to facilitate the evacuation of the sick and wounded.