A Palestinian man named Shadi Abu Sido has shared his emotional reunion with his family after being released from an Israeli prison. During his 20-month incarceration, Abu Sido was reportedly told by an Israeli prison officer that his family had been killed and their home destroyed. This devastating news deeply affected him, leaving him to believe he would never see them again.
Abu Sido was among nearly 2,000 prisoners exchanged for Israeli hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement. Upon his return to Gaza, he was overcome with emotion to find his family alive and waiting for him. This unexpected reunion brought immense joy and relief, contrasting sharply with the despair he had experienced in prison.
In response to these claims, Israel’s prison service stated that they operate within the law and are not aware of any such incidents occurring. The BBC’s Lucy Williamson reported on this powerful story of hope amidst conflict.