Freed Palestinian prisoner, 35-year-old Mohyaddeen al-Shalabi, was finally reunited with his wife and family in the West Bank city of Nablus after being held in an Israeli prison for 22 years. The emotional reunion took place at the family’s home, where tears of joy and relief filled the air as Shalabi was warmly greeted by his loved ones.
Al-Shalabi’s wife, Amal, was overcome with emotion as she cradled her husband’s face, calling him “my dear, my love, my life”. The couple’s two young children, 12 and 14 years old, looked on with beaming smiles, thrilled to see their father home at last.
Palestinian officials had negotiated with Israeli authorities to secure Shalabi’s release, considering him a “symbol of Palestinian suffering” given his long imprisonment. The Palestinian Authority’s General Intelligence Service director, Maj. Gen. Ziad Thabet, praised the “historic” agreement, stating, “This is a great achievement for us, as we have obtained the freedom of a Palestinian prisoner who was imprisoned for 22 years.”
As Shalabi settled into his new life, he expressed deep gratitude to the Palestinian Authority and international organizations for their tireless efforts in securing his release. “I will not forget their efforts,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “I will always be grateful.”