A symbol of Palestine: Khalida Jarrar freed by Israel under prisoner exchange agreement

Khalida Jarrar, a prominent Palestinian activist and member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, was among the dozens of Palestinian prisoners who were released by Israel on Sunday night.

The release took place late Sunday night into Monday morning (20 January), as part of the first phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel.

Jarrar was greeted by her family in Ramallah, reports The Palestine Chronicle.

Jarrar is known for her role in advocating for Palestinian rights, and is also a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council.

Throughout her political career, Khalida Jarrar has faced repeated administrative detention without clear charges, highlighting the injustice faced by Palestinian activists in Israeli prisons. In one of the occupation’s military trials, she was accused of “incitement and involvement in terrorism” and sentenced to 15 months in prison. However, following an international campaign, she was released after six months of detention, reports Watan.

Since December 26, 2023, Jarrar has endured harsh conditions in an Israeli cell described by human rights advocates as lacking the most basic necessities of life. Testimonies revealed that she is confined in a cramped, poorly ventilated cell, forcing her to lie near the door to obtain minimal oxygen.

Khalida Jarrar’s efforts extend beyond political work, as she has played a pivotal role in the field of human rights and the rights of Palestinian prisoners. She served as the director of the human rights organization “Addameer” from 1993 to 2005 and contributed significantly to advancing Palestine’s accession to the International Criminal Court.

Khalida Jarrar represents a symbol of Palestinian resilience against the occupation, making her inclusion in the prisoner exchange agreement a moment of special significance for the Palestinian people.