Ahmed Manasra, a Palestinian from Jerusalem who was imprisoned by Israeli authorities at the age of 13, was released on Thursday after completing a nearly 10-year prison sentence.

Palestinian media sources reported that Manasra was expected to be released outside Nafha prison, where his family had gathered to receive him. However, in a surprise move, Israeli authorities released him instead in Beersheba City—significantly farther from the prison site. A local Bedouin citizen reportedly found him there and alerted his family.

Although now out of prison, journalists and activists have indicated that Manasra and his family will continue to face severe restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities, including limitations on speaking to the media.

The Palestinian Prisoner Society stated that Manasra endured both physical and psychological torture during his imprisonment. He spent prolonged periods in solitary confinement and was subjected to harsh interrogation techniques throughout his teenage years.

Manasra was arrested in 2015 at the age of 13, after allegedly being present during an incident in which his cousin, Hasan Manasra (15), reportedly stabbed two settlers near the illegal settlement of Pisgat Ze’ev in occupied East Jerusalem. Hasan was shot dead by a settler at the scene, while Ahmed was struck by a vehicle and beaten by Israeli settlers before being arrested.

He was later convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to nine and a half years in prison, despite his young age at the time of the alleged offense. His case drew international attention and condemnation from human rights organizations, who cited it as a stark example of Israel's treatment of Palestinian minors under military law.

Manasra’s release marks the end of a highly controversial case, but his ordeal continues to symbolize the broader plight of Palestinian children detained in Israeli prisons. (ILKHA)