The prisoner exchange deal has sparked renewed hope for sick detainees languishing in Israeli prisons. For prisoners battling severe illnesses and chronic conditions, this deal represents more than freedom—it is a lifeline to survival.

Among those released in the second phase last Saturday was Yasser Rabai’a, a cancer patient serving a life sentence. His release symbolises a rare victory for prisoners who have faced years of neglect, where requests for compassionate release were repeatedly denied by Israeli courts, often resulting in death behind bars.

According to the Commission for Detainees’ Affairs, over 800 prisoners suffer from health complications, including 200 with chronic conditions. At least 30 are battling various stages of cancer. These figures underline the dire state of medical care for prisoners, who often endure neglect and are denied adequate treatment for injuries sustained during arrest or torture.

Hassan Abd Rabbo, an advisor to the Commission, has labelled the exchange deal as a "golden opportunity" to address the plight of these long-suffering individuals. Since October 7, 2023, the mass arrests have made it challenging to ascertain the exact number of sick prisoners among over 10,000 detainees. However, the urgency remains clear—many of these individuals are elderly, serving decades-long sentences, or have reached critical stages of illness.

The systemic refusal to release prisoners on health grounds has led to tragedies, including the deaths of figures like Kamel Abu Waar and Nasser Abu Hamid. The current exchange deal offers a fleeting chance to prevent more lives from being lost and to grant families the relief of reuniting with their loved ones, even if for a short time.

For families like that of Mansour Moqadi, the deal carries their deepest hopes. Mansour, imprisoned since 2002 after being severely injured during his arrest, faces catastrophic health challenges, including paralysis, digestive system damage, and reliance on medical aids. Despite his suffering, his family clings to faith that he might be freed in the next phase of the exchange.

His brother poignantly remarked, "If he isn’t released now, then when?" This sentiment echoes the desperation of countless families awaiting news of their loved ones, as the conditions in prisons worsen and access to proper medical care remains elusive.

As the ceasefire holds and negotiations for further exchanges unfold, the question of prioritising sick prisoners remains pressing. For those whose lives hang in the balance, freedom is not merely a political gesture—it is a matter of life or death.
This exchange deal, while far from resolving the broader conflict, offers a moment of respite and a glimmer of justice for the most vulnerable behind bars. It is a reminder of the urgent need for accountability and humane treatment for all prisoners, regardless of the circumstances of their detention.