Allegations of Betrayal by Israeli Government Regarding Gaza Detainees
Two former Israeli prisoners have publicly accused the Israeli government of betraying detainees held in the Gaza Strip. Their statements, reported by Maariv, highlight concerns over the ongoing delay in finalizing a prisoner swap deal, which they claim increases the risk of death for Israeli prisoners. They described the situation as a 'complete moral bankruptcy' and a 'disgrace' that will haunt the state. The former prisoners emphasized that with each passing day, the conditions for detainees worsen, raising fears for their safety.
One former prisoner recounted her initial experience during the early months of the conflict, stating that conditions were manageable and her life did not feel threatened. However, she noted that the situation has deteriorated significantly since then. The spokesperson for the Qassam Brigades, Abu Obeida, recently announced the death of an Israeli female prisoner due to Israeli military actions in northern Gaza, further intensifying concerns over the fate of remaining detainees.
The Israeli military estimates that approximately 97 Israeli detainees are still in Gaza, with 34 believed to have died. In contrast, Palestinian factions have not disclosed the total number of Israeli prisoners they hold, but have indicated that some have been killed amid ongoing hostilities. The situation remains critical, as the recent humanitarian truce in November 2023 saw Hamas release 81 Israeli prisoners in exchange for Palestinian detainees, but the fate of many others remains uncertain.
