In 2002, Iyad Haribaat was arrested by Israeli forces for his involvement with the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and endured years of severe torture, including solitary confinement and neglect.

Despite the physical and psychological abuse, Iyad remained strong and hopeful, holding onto the belief that one day he would be free.

In 2014, during a visit from his mother, Iyad was unrecognizable. After years of brutal treatment, he was left paralyzed and suffering from severe memory loss. His mother was devastated to find him unable to recognize her, a heart-wrenching moment that highlighted the lasting trauma caused by his years in prison.

His condition was worsened by cruel medical practices, including injections that caused nerve damage and further physical deterioration.

Despite his suffering, Iyad became a symbol of resilience for his family and the Palestinian people. His case, like many others, shed light on the harsh conditions Palestinian prisoners face in Israeli jails, where physical and psychological torture is used to break their spirits. Iyad's story of survival despite everything stands as a beacon of hope and strength for other prisoners and their families.

In a bittersweet turn, Iyad was released as part of a prisoner swap under a ceasefire agreement. Though physically free, the trauma and damage caused by his years of imprisonment remain.

Iyad Haribaat’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of Palestinian prisoners and their unwavering hope for freedom, even in the face of unimaginable suffering.