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Israel Releases Longest-serving Palestinian Prisoner

Karim Younis (AFP)
Karim Younis (AFP)
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Israel Releases Longest-serving Palestinian Prisoner

Karim Younis (AFP)
Karim Younis (AFP)

Israel released the longest-serving Palestinian prisoner Karim Younis, who spent 40 years in Israeli prisons.

Younis was released on the roadside of a Jewish town without any means of communication, but he finally arrived in his hometown, where a grand reception and celebration were held for him.

“I got out of prison and left behind my heart with my comrades in captivity,” Younis told the crowd gathering in the Palestinian village of Ara within Israel.

Israeli police authorities and the Israel Prison Service held a meeting on the eve of Younis’ release at the office of the Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

At the meeting, it was decided that Younis should not be released at the penitentiary’s main gate but must instead be dropped off at a location that turned out to be a bus station in Ranana, a town north of Tel Aviv.

According to one of the relatives, after being dropped off at the station, Younis met by chance with Palestinian workers from the West Bank who helped him reach out to his relatives.

Younis was eventually picked up by a relative and brought to his hometown of Ara, where he was celebrated as a hero.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh, Speaker of the Palestinian National Council Rawhi Fattouh, the Fatah movement, and the rest of the factions congratulated Younis on his freedom.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Younis “represents a symbol of the Palestinian people and the free people of the world in steadfastness.”

The Israeli government had prevented his release for 40 years, despite the conclusion of 18 prisoner exchange deals.

Moreover, authorities examined legal means that would allow them to exile Younis or put him under administrative detention. Eventually, they decided to refer to the attorney general justice to strip him of his Israeli citizenship.

Younis, however, openly said he won’t be trying to get his hands on an Israeli passport which he said was the “world’s worst travel document.”

“Anyone with an Israeli passport is faced with hatred from anyone who considers themselves free,” he said.

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Türkiye, Lebanon Agree to ‘Work Together’ on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
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Türkiye, Lebanon Agree to ‘Work Together’ on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that Türkiye and Lebanon have agreed to collaborate on Syria in the post-Bashar al-Assad era. During a press conference alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Erdogan said: “A new chapter has begun in Syria. We agree that, as two key neighbors of Syria, we must work together.”
Mikati received an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting followed by an expanded ministerial session. Separate working meetings were also held between Turkish and Lebanese ministers.
During the joint press conference, Erdogan pointed to the challenges Lebanon and Palestine faced this year due to “Israeli threats and aggression.” He emphasized that “Lebanon’s security is inseparable from the stability of the region, just as regional peace cannot be achieved without a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
He added: “Any state that believes increased killing will bring security is making a grave mistake. Israel refuses to understand this truth.”
He also praised Mikati’s leadership and stressed the need for a ceasefire and Israel’s adherence to it.
On Syria, Erdogan stated that a new phase has begun, emphasizing the need for stability in the country.
He said: “For 13 years, we have endured instability in Syria, which has caused immense suffering in the region. Türkiye opened its doors and welcomed Syrians, just as Lebanon did. Achieving stability in Syria and returning it to normalcy are priorities for the coming phase. Establishing a permanent and sustainable governance structure is essential for Syrians and the region.”
Erdogan reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He continued: “Lebanon and Türkiye will stand by Syria to support its recovery in the coming phase. As we have done in the past, we will act as good neighbors, promoting Syria’s stability. The international community must also take responsibility to ensure regional security and stability.”
For his part, Mikati expressed gratitude to Erdogan, saying: “At every critical juncture Lebanon faces, you have been a steadfast supporter on all levels. We deeply appreciate your brotherly spirit toward our nation and people.”
Mikati highlighted the suffering Lebanon continues to endure due to Israeli aggression, which has caused significant human, economic, financial, social, and environmental damage in recent months.
He underlined the importance of Türkiye’s support in halting Israeli aggression, given its extensive network of Arab and international relationships.
On Syria, Mikati acknowledged Ankara’s active role in the region and reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, expressing hope for freedom and stability for the Syrian people. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening Lebanon-Syria relations based on mutual respect and good neighborly ties.