Hassan Arar released after 22 years in detention

Hassan Arar, a Palestinian from the village of Qarawat Bani Zaid, has been released by Israeli authorities after 22 years of detention. Upon his release from Gilboa Prison, Arar learned that both of his parents had passed away during his imprisonment without him being able to know or say goodbye. His mother died in 2024, and his father passed away in January 2026. He also lost two siblings during his time in custody.

Arar was released in poor health following reports of physical assault by Israeli forces shortly before his release. He was subsequently transported to a hospital in Ramallah. The Prisoner Club noted that Arar’s situation reflects a broader pattern where many detainees are denied contact with their families, a policy that has become increasingly severe for prisoners from the Gaza Strip since October 2023.

According to prisoner advocacy organizations, approximately 9,400 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, including thousands held under administrative detention.