In a heartwarming turn of events, 39 Palestinian women and children, including 24-year-old Marah Bakeer, were released from Israeli prisons on Friday. This significant development came as part of a Qatar-mediated deal, involving the exchange of 13 Hamas captives and a four-day truce in Gaza.
Marah Bakeer, imprisoned for eight years, embraced her mother, Sawsan, amidst tears of joy. Before her arrest at the age of 16, Marah was a high school student in occupied East Jerusalem. She was accused of attempting to stab an Israeli officer, a charge vehemently denied by her and her family.
Despite enduring hardship with 12 gunshot wounds resulting in permanent damage, Marah maintained her resilience with faith in God and the support of her family and fellow Palestinian prisoners. The release of 39 individuals is part of a larger plan, with 150 Palestinian prisoners and 50 Israeli hostages set to be freed over the next four days.
Marah Bakeer, who became a political figure during her imprisonment, representing female prisoners, was moved to solitary confinement after a Hamas attack in October. She faced isolation for over six weeks during this challenging period.
The release, however, comes with restrictions imposed by the Israeli government. Families are forbidden from speaking to the press, hosting guests, or celebrating publicly. Violating these rules could result in substantial fines.
While Marah Bakeer is grateful to be home, her happiness is overshadowed by the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza. She expressed devastation over the cost at which the release deal was reached, highlighting the toll on lives in Gaza. The Israeli bombardment of Gaza since October 7 has claimed over 14,800 lives, while in Israel, the official death toll from Hamas attacks stands at about 1,200.
As these Palestinian women and children reunite with their families, the complexities of the situation underscore the ongoing challenges and deep-seated tensions in the region.
