Why it matters:
The soldier’s account challenges the dominant Israeli and Western media narrative that paints Palestinian fighters as violent extremists, while testimonies from both Palestinian and Israeli detainees continue to expose systematic mistreatment of prisoners held by Israeli forces.
The big picture:
The freed soldier, Matan Angrest, was released as part of a recent prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.
His statements echo previous testimonies describing Palestinian fighters’ adherence to moral and religious principles even in wartime.
In contrast, international rights groups have repeatedly documented Israeli abuses against Palestinian prisoners, including torture, denial of medical care, and collective punishment.
What he’s saying:
Matan Angrest, speaking to Israeli media:
“During captivity, I was treated humanely. The Palestinian fighters gave me everything I asked for — even my prayer items and a Torah.”
“I was never restricted in my prayers. I could worship freely, in my own way.”
“At one point, I survived an Israeli airstrike by miracle. The fighters kept me safe.”
His father told reporters after the exchange:
“Matan prayed three times a day and received a prayer book from one of the Hamas officials. He says he cannot believe now that he can drink water and choose his food freely — in Gaza they had nothing, yet he survived and is regaining strength.”
Go deeper:
Hamas leaders have repeatedly emphasized that their captives are treated in accordance with Islamic and humanitarian principles.
In recent months, video and written testimonies from freed detainees have highlighted widespread abuses by Israeli authorities in prisons and detention centers.
Mojtaba Darabi - ahmad shirzadian
