RAMALLAH, March 13, 2023 – President Mahmoud Abbas, accompanied by a number of senior Palestinian officials, received this evening at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah the eldest serving Palestinian freedom fighter, Major General Fouad Shobaki, who was released today after completing 17 years in Israeli prisons.

The President congratulated Shobaki and his family on his release after 17 years of imprisonment, expressing his pride in his steadfastness and sacrifices.

President Abbas reaffirmed that the issue of Palestinian prisoners holds a special place among the priorities of the Palestinian leadership, which continues to work tirelessly for the release of all prisoners held in Israeli jails.