The temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, already extended for two days with the prospect of a further extension being discussed Thursday, has seen the Palestinian militant group release dozens of hostages in return for Israel freeing some 180 Palestinian prisoners.
Among the Palestinians released so far is 17-year-old Ahmed Abu Na'im, who served 12 months in jail for, he says, throwing stones during clashes with Israeli security forces at a protest. Israel charged him with throwing stones as well as "a bomb or incendiary device," which he denies. It was his third arrest in one year.
"They arrest people randomly," Na'im told CBS News in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the larger of the two Palestinian territories. "They accused (me) of things I did not commit."
He said conditions in the prison where he was held changed after Hamas' brutal Oct. 7 terror rampage across southern Israel, which saw the group — long designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., Israel and many other nations — kill some 1,200 people and seize more than 200 hostages.
Na'im, a former prisoner, shared his experience of being held captive before and during the war. He expressed that before the war, the situation was manageable as they were provided with food and basic necessities. However, the absence of their family members was deeply felt. Once the war began, the situation drastically changed and became humiliating. Na'im mentioned that new prisoners would arrive beaten up and requests for medicine or other essential items were denied.
According to Na'im, many of the fellow prisoners were children, some as young as 12 years old. He revealed that they were treated poorly, particularly after the war started. They were shouted at, restricted from approaching the windows, and had their spoons, plates, blankets, pillows, and spare clothes taken away. Na'im further stated that during rainy days, the covers on their windows would also be removed.
When CBS News reached out to the Israel Prison Authority regarding these claims, they stated that the minors in their custody were imprisoned based on court orders, after being charged with serious crimes such as attempted murder, assault, and throwing explosives. The prison authority claimed to be unaware of Na'im's specific allegations but assured that prisoners have the right to file a complaint, which will be thoroughly examined by official authorities. They emphasized that all prisoners are detained in accordance with the law and that their basic rights are fully upheld.
Na'im shared that he recently received news of his release, after initially being informed that he would be transferred to another prison.
After being detained and taken away, their clothing was changed and they were dressed in prisoner uniforms. The Red Cross later informed them that they were being sent home as part of an exchange deal, before returning them to their cells. In the evening, they were put on a bus and driven away," said Na'im.
Upon his return to the West Bank, Na'im expressed his happiness at seeing a large crowd gathered to celebrate his homecoming.
"It was a wonderful feeling," Na'im said, adding that his only desire now is to live a life free from occupation.
Nourhan Awad, who was also released as part of the deal with Israel, had spent eight years in prison after being arrested at the age of 16 for attempting to stab an Israeli soldier.
"I can't put into words how happy I am. I am overwhelmed with joy and still can't believe it," said Awad, who managed to complete her high school and college studies during her time in prison. "Yesterday I was in prison, and today I am at home with my family and loved ones. It's an indescribable feeling."
"It was a very challenging experience, but I learned so much," she added. "I now understand the value of things that I didn't appreciate before, like freedom and sunlight."
Israel and Hamas Agree to Extend Truce
Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend the temporary cease-fire for an additional two days. The initial four-day truce was based on terms that called for the release of three Palestinian prisoners by Israel for every one hostage freed by Hamas.
A Hamas official has stated that the group is hoping to negotiate another extension of the cease-fire with Israel. They are also interested in a new deal that would cover the release of Israeli hostages other than women and children.
As of Wednesday, Hamas has released 86 women and children, but more than 160 people, including civilians and Israeli soldiers, are still missing and presumed to be held as hostages in Gaza. Israel has released 180 Palestinian prisoners as part of the agreement.
