Former Palestinian Detainees Live in Fear of Rearrest and Harassment by Israeli Forces

Despite being released from Israeli prisons, hundreds of former Palestinian detainees in the occupied West Bank live under the constant threat of rearrest and interrogation. Ahmed Abed (a pseudonym), 43, who was released nearly two years ago, continues to face frequent detentions, home raids, and interrogations by Israeli forces, a situation echoed by many others.

Abed, released in January 2025 as part of a prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel after serving 22 years, has been rearrested six times and summoned for interrogation five times since his release. His family has also been subjected to harassment, with soldiers raiding their home and even arresting his father. Abed described the constant state of alert his family lives in, fearing raids and collective intimidation.

During detentions, Abed is often blindfolded and handcuffed, forced to walk long distances, and subjected to harsh conditions, beatings, and verbal abuse. He reported being threatened with a return to prison, feeling that