Shin Bet decided to release Zakaria Zubeidi's brother | First Publication

The Shin Bet decided today (Monday) to release from prison Jibril Zubeidi, a resident of Jenin, a senior Fatah member and brother of Zakaria Zubeidi, who currently serves as the head of the Prisoners' Authority in the Palestinian Authority.

Jibril had been detained since 2023. His brother, Zakaria Zubeidi, who was considered one of the leaders of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades in the past, was elected to represent released prisoners in the Fatah council.

Zakaria Zubeidi previously received a pardon as part of the wanted persons agreement, but later returned to terrorist activity, was re-arrested, escaped from Gilboa Prison through the famous escape tunnel, was caught again, and was finally released as part of the hostage deal.

Throughout the last year, Zakaria Zubeidi attacked the policy of the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, and claimed that he is "abusing prisoners" and harming their rights.

A security source stated that his administrative detention was extended several times after court hearings. After the administrative detention expired, Zubeidi was released. No response was provided by the Shin Bet.

His brother, Zakaria Zubeidi, was released as part of the hostage deal last January. Zubeidi is responsible for hundreds of terrorist acts against Israelis. He was involved, among other things, in the attack at the Likud branch in Beit She'an in 2002, in which six people were murdered. In 2021, Zubeidi escaped along with five other terrorists from Gilboa Prison and was caught hiding under a truck a few days later.