Israel Releases Palestinian Ahmed Manasra After Nearly a Decade in Prison

Palestinian prisoner Ahmed Manasra, whose controversial arrest at the age of 13 sparked international outcry, has been released by Israeli authorities after serving nearly 10 years in prison.

Manasra, now 23, was welcomed privately by his family due to restrictions imposed on public celebrations or media interactions, his legal counsel Khaled Zabarqa confirmed on Thursday.

“Ahmed complete full sentence,”. “However, Israeli authorities have prohibited the family from organizing any formal welcome or addressing the press.”

Manasra’s case drew widespread attention in 2015 when he was arrested alongside his cousin Hassan Manasra, who had stabbed two Israeli citizens in East Jerusalem. Hassan was killed on the spot by Israeli forces, while Ahmed—who was not directly involved in the attack—was seriously injured after being hit by a vehicle during the incident.

The incident gained global media coverage after distressing video footage surfaced showing the severely wounded teenager being verbally abused by bystanders while lying on the ground. Additional footage later emerged showing Ahmed being interrogated by Israeli officers under conditions human rights advocates described as coercive and inappropriate for a minor.

Legal Proceedings and Sentence Reduction

Despite initial charges of attempted murder, Israeli courts later acknowledged that Ahmed had not participated in the stabbings. Nevertheless, he was sentenced in 2016 to 12 years in prison, which was later reduced to 9.5 years on appeal in 2017.

Ahmed’s case has been at the center of numerous human rights campaigns, with global organizations repeatedly urging his release due to his declining mental health. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and reportedly endured long periods in solitary confinement, contributing to a worsening of his condition, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society.

His lawyer added:

“His health condition is fragile. He suffers from head trauma and severe psychological distress, a result of isolation and aggressive interrogations during his childhood detention.”

International Response and Human Rights Concerns

Manasra’s detention has long been criticized by international legal experts, child rights organizations, and UN bodies. His case was often cited as emblematic of broader concerns regarding the treatment of Palestinian minors in Israeli custody.

In response to queries, Israeli prison authorities confirmed his release and issued a statement emphasizing that “Israel is a country governed by the rule of law” and “does not engage in torture.”

The release comes amid renewed scrutiny of prison conditions following the recent death of another Palestinian teenager, Walid Khalid Ahmad, reportedly due to prolonged malnutrition in Israeli custody—further intensifying debates around prisoner welfare.