Israel releases 10 Palestinians detained from Gaza. They say they suffered abuse

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Israel releases 10 Palestinians detained from Gaza. They say they suffered abuse

2025-04-11 08:38 Last Updated At：08:52

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Ten Palestinians detained from Gaza by Israeli troops were freed and returned to the territory on Thursday, saying they had suffered constant abuse while imprisoned.

Israel has detained thousands of Palestinians since it launched its military campaign in Gaza in retaliation for Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. It has done periodic releases of detainees throughout the war, though this was the first since it restarted the war in mid-March, breaking a ceasefire with the militant Hamas group.

The 10 men, all dressed in grey sweatpants and shirts, were brought by bus to a hospital in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah, where they were welcomed by family members.

They had all been detained from the northern Gaza Strip during Israel’s last offensive there before the January ceasefire. They said they had been held at least part of the time in Sde Teiman, a military prison camp that has become notorious for abuses of Gaza detainees.

One of the freed men, Fayez Ayoub, looked gaunt and walked with difficulty, supported by another man.

“I swear, Dad, every moment we waited for you to be released,” his daughter Marah Ayoub told him, crying. “Every time a prisoner was released, we went to him" to ask about her father.

“Torment, torment,” he told her.

Detained by Israeli troops on Nov. 6, he said “156 days have passed with us in agony. We are tortured and in pain.” He said detainees were abused every day and had little sleep. His daughter said he was seized by Israeli troops just after being released from Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza after suffering fractures in his pelvis and spine from an airstrike.

“Was this how my father was? And Is this what he has become?" she said, referring to his appearance. “He wasn’t like this.”

Another man, Hani Abu Sharif, said they were frequently beaten, stripped to their underwear, and forced to stand barefoot on stones, causing their feet to bleed. They were only allowed to shower every month or two, he said.

There was no immediate comment by the military. The army and prison authorities have said they abide by the letter of the law in the treatment of prisoners and investigate violations.

But there have been widespread reports of abuse of Palestinian detainees in military prison camps and civilian prisons, including frequent beatings and lack of medical care and food. Five soldiers have been indicted for allegedly raping a detainee with a knife at Sde Teiman.

In March, a 17-year-old Palestinian died at Megiddo Prison, a civilian-run facility, and doctors said starvation was likely the main cause of death. The Palestinian Authority says at least 61 Palestinians have died in Israeli prisons since the war began.

Thousands of Palestinians continue to be held in Israeli detention, without charge or trial. Israel says it detains those it suspects of links to Hamas and does releases as it determines they are not connected to the militants. During the two-month ceasefire, Israel released hundreds of imprisoned Palestinians in return for the release of hostages held by militants in Gaza.

Citizens for Judicial Fairness Donates $10,000 to Food Bank of Delaware to Support Statewide Fight Against Food Insecurity

2025-05-02 03:26 Last Updated At：03:31

NEWARK, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2025--

Citizens for Judicial Fairness (CJF), an advocacy organization committed to promoting transparency and diversity in Delaware’s courts and public leadership, today presented a $10,000 donation to the Food Bank of Delaware to support its ongoing efforts to combat hunger and provide essential services to families in need.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501791186/en/

The donation underscores CJF’s growing investment in Delaware’s community infrastructure, aligning its mission for judicial and institutional fairness with support for on-the-ground work that fosters resilience and equity.

“In the face of uncertainty brought on by recent federal decisions, I’m incredibly grateful to have community partners like Citizens for Judicial Fairness. Their generous donation to the Food Bank of Delaware helps ensure this vital organization can continue its important work—serving thousands of Delaware families and bringing hope to those who need it most,”said Delaware House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown.

The event, held at the Food Bank’s Newark facility, brought together elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and community members to celebrate the power of collaboration in advancing equity and access for all Delawareans.

“ At Citizens for Judicial Fairness, our mission is to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in leadership—especially within our courts and institutions,” said Jackie Griffith, Executive Director of Citizens for Judicial Fairness. “But lasting change requires more than policy reform; it requires strong, resilient communities. That’s why we’re proud to support the Food Bank of Delaware. Their work not only addresses food insecurity, it helps build the kind of civic strength that empowers people to engage, lead, and demand more representative leadership. A more resilient Delaware is the foundation for a fairer Delaware—and we’re honored to be part of that effort.”

The Food Bank of Delaware serves tens of thousands of residents each year, providing nutritious meals and vital support services while advocating for long-term solutions to hunger and poverty. CJF’s donation will help expand these efforts at a time when demand for food assistance remains high across the state.

“We’re grateful to Citizens for Judicial Fairness for this generous gift,” said Chad Robinson, Vice President of External Affairs at the Food Bank of Delaware. “Tackling food insecurity takes a village —all of us can play a role - nonprofits, the public sector, and private partners. Together, we are working towards a Delaware where no person struggles with how to put food on their table and showing the world how good things happen when we work together.”

This contribution is one of several CJF has made to local organizations in recent months as part of its effort to build momentum for a more inclusive, responsive, and transparent system of governance in Delaware. Earlier this year, CJF also donated $10,000 to the Police Athletic League of Wilmington’s D.I.V.A.S. program, which empowers young women through entrepreneurship, leadership development, and mentoring—further demonstrating CJF’s commitment to uplifting grassroots efforts that create real opportunities for Delawareans.