Freed Palestinian Prisoner Recalls Torture That Made Him Forget Children

A Palestinian prisoner recently released in the Gaza ceasefire exchange has recounted how extensive torture during his year-long detention in Israeli prisons caused him to forget his own children's appearances and characteristics. Ahmed al-Talbani shared his harrowing experience with Anadolu following an emotional family reunion at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, where visible signs of exhaustion marked his first moments of freedom.

Emotional Reunion and Psychological Impact

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During the deeply moving reunion filled with tears and relief, Talbani embraced his son while explaining the psychological toll of his imprisonment. "I cried every night because I had forgotten my children and what they looked like," the former detainee revealed. He described systematic torture methods so severe they nearly cost prisoners their lives, including recent incidents where jailers "stormed our prison sections carrying gas canisters, which they opened inside our rooms." Despite the abuse, Talbani noted that Palestinian prisoners maintained resilience throughout their ordeal.

Prisoner Exchange Context

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Talbani's release forms part of the substantial prisoner exchange that saw 1,968 Palestinians freed, including 250 individuals serving life sentences and 1,718 detainees arrested after the conflict escalation. This reciprocal arrangement followed Hamas's release of 20 Israeli hostages held in Gaza and the transfer of four deceased hostage remains. The exchange represents the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement that took effect October 10, following diplomatic announcements by US President Donald Trump regarding the comprehensive peace plan.

Rebuilding Determination and Family Response

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The former prisoner, originally from Jabalia in northern Gaza where extensive destruction occurred during Israeli military operations, voiced determination to reconstruct his community. "If it's destroyed, we'll rebuild it," Talbani declared, emphasizing that scenes of devastation would not break Palestinian resolve. His wife Hanan described their reunion as an indescribable joyful moment, expressing gratitude to "the Palestinian people who suffered and sacrificed to reach this day" while hoping for the release of all remaining prisoners and reconstruction of what military operations destroyed.