Freed Palestinian prisoner Khamis Abu al-Rish has vividly recounted his harrowing experiences of torture endured during his time in Israeli prisons. His release on Saturday at the Beit Hanoun crossing marked a bittersweet moment, as he was immediately taken to Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, Gaza Strip, suffering from severe physical and psychological trauma.
Abu al-Rish's limited words, filled with pain and longing, reflect the deep scars left by his ordeal. "They tortured me. I want my mother. Take me to her. My body is wounded," he lamented, emphasizing the urgent need for medical attention and emotional support. Eyewitnesses described his condition upon release, noting his bruised body and the distressing sight of a man who had endured unimaginable suffering.
This incident is part of a larger pattern, as reports indicate that the Israeli occupation army has released several detainees under similar circumstances in recent months. Many of these individuals have emerged from detention with serious health issues, raising significant concerns regarding the treatment of prisoners. Human rights organizations and media outlets have highlighted the alarming rates of torture and inhumane conditions faced by detainees in Israeli prisons.
The ongoing conflict has led to a surge in arrests since the Israeli ground invasion of Gaza on October 27, with the exact number of detainees still unclear. The situation remains dire, as numerous reports indicate that many have lost their lives due to the harsh conditions and torture within these facilities. The plight of prisoners like Abu al-Rish calls for urgent attention and action from the international community to address human rights violations.