Shin Bet Releases Jibril Zubaidi, Brother of Palestinian Prisoner Leader Zakaria Zubaidi

The Israeli Shin Bet security service released Jibril Zubaidi on Monday, a senior Fatah member from Jenin who had been detained since 2023. Jibril is the brother of Zakaria Zubaidi, the current head of the Palestinian Prisoners Authority. His administrative detention was repeatedly extended following court hearings before the decision to free him was made.

Zakaria Zubaidi, formerly a leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, now represents released prisoners in the Fatah Council. Over the past year, he has criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accusing him of mistreating prisoners and violating their rights. Zakaria was previously pardoned under a wanted persons agreement but returned to terrorist activities, leading to his rearrest.

Zakaria famously escaped from Gilboa prison in 2021 through a tunnel but was recaptured shortly after. He was released again in January 2023 as part of a hostage exchange deal. He is responsible for hundreds of terrorist attacks against Israelis, including a 2002 attack on a Likud branch in Beit She'an that killed six people. Jibril's release marks a significant development amid ongoing tensions involving Palestinian prisoners and Israeli security policies.