Shin Bet Decides to Release Brother of Zakaria Zubeidi | First Report

The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) decided today (Monday) to release from prison Jibril Zubeidi, a resident of Jenin, a senior Fatah official and brother of Zakaria Zubeidi, who currently serves as head of the Prisoners Authority in the Palestinian Authority. Jibril had been detained since 2023. A security source said his administrative detention was extended several times after court hearings, and after the administrative detention order expired, he was released. The Shin Bet had no comment. Zakaria Zubeidi, considered one of the former leaders of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, was elected to represent released prisoners in the Fatah Council. He previously received a pardon under the wanted persons agreement, but later returned to terrorist activity, was re-arrested, escaped from Gilboa Prison through the famous escape tunnel, was recaptured, and finally released as part of the hostage deal in January last year. He is responsible for hundreds of terrorist attacks against Israelis, including the attack on the Likud branch in Beit She'an in 2002, in which six people were murdered. Over the past year, Zakaria Zubeidi has criticized the policy of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, claiming he is "abusing prisoners" and harming their rights.