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

The Israeli Shin Bet security agency decided on Monday to release Jibril Zubaidi, a senior Fatah member from Jenin and brother of Zakaria Zubaidi, who currently heads the Palestinian Prisoners Authority. Jibril had been detained since 2023. Zakaria Zubaidi, a former leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, represents released prisoners in the Fatah council. Zakaria was previously pardoned under a wanted persons agreement but returned to terrorist activities, was re-arrested, escaped from Gilboa prison through a famous tunnel, was recaptured, and ultimately freed in a prisoner exchange deal in January last year.

Zakaria Zubaidi has been responsible for hundreds of terrorist attacks against Israelis, including a 2002 attack on a Likud branch in Beit She'an that killed six people. In 2021, he escaped from Gilboa prison with five other militants but was caught hiding under a truck days later. Over the past year, Zakaria has criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accusing him of mistreating prisoners and violating their rights. Jibril's release marks a significant development in the context of Palestinian prisoner affairs and Israeli security policies.