Na’il Abid, a Hamas militant recently released under a hostage exchange agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, has died after falling from the rooftop of his residence in the Issawiya neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, according to local media reports.
21 Years In Prison
Abid had spent 21 years in prison before being freed last Saturday as part of a deal that saw several Palestinian detainees exchanged for Israeli hostages.
According to reports from Ynet, the incident took place on Saturday, and authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of his death.
Possibility Of Suicide
While initial assessments suggest the possibility of suicide, officials have yet to determine a definitive cause.
After the fall, the Hamas militant was transported to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital in East Jerusalem, where medical personnel later pronounced him dead.
2003 Jerusalem Cafe Attack
Abid, a Hamas operative, was convicted for his role in aiding a suicide bomber involved in the 2003 Hillel Café attack in Jerusalem.
The bombing resulted in the deaths of seven Israelis and injuries to 57 others. His release last week stirred controversy, as he had been serving multiple life sentences for his involvement in the attack.
The Palestinian Authority’s Information Office confirmed Abid’s death, stating that he had fallen from a significant height and had been released in the recent prisoner exchange after completing a 21-year sentence.
Hostage-Prisoner Swap
This incident occurs amid ongoing tensions over the recent hostage swap between Israel and Hamas.
While the deal secured the freedom of numerous Israeli hostages, it also involved the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, some with convictions for serious offences.
Israeli Hostages ‘Murdered’
Following the murder of the Bibas family, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a temporary suspension of further Hamas prisoner releases, condemning the act and emphasising the commitment to investigating the killings.
As part of the broader agreement, Israel has agreed to release 620 Palestinian detainees, some of whom have been convicted of violent crimes.
The deal has sparked debate within Israel, with concerns raised over the risks associated with freeing individuals with a history of involvement in terrorist activities.
