Younes, the longest-serving Palestinian prisoner, was convicted in 1980 of killing an Israeli soldier

Palestinian Karim Younes freed after 40 years in prison

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The Israeli authorities have released Palestinian Karim Younes after serving a 40-year sentence. "Forty years have passed as if nothing has happened, because we consider this to be one of the main pillars of the struggle," 64-year-old Younes said after his release from prison, according to AFP

Carrying a black and white kufiyya on his shoulders and raising a Palestinian flag, Younes - considered the 'dean of Palestinian prisoners' - was greeted by hundreds of supporters in his hometown of Ara in northern Israel. "The story of every prisoner is the story of a whole people and I am proud to be one of those who sacrificed for Palestine," said Younes.  

Despite his joy at regaining his freedom, Younes acknowledged feeling "sorrow" for the Palestinian prisoners still in jail. One of his brothers told the news agency that Younes' happiness was "boundless" but "incomplete" as his parents died while he was in prison. "His hair and face have changed, but his resilience has increased and multiplied," he added.

Younes, a member of the Palestinian Fatah organisation, was sentenced to death in 1983 for the kidnapping and murder of an Israeli soldier, Avraham Bromberg. That sentence was eventually commuted to a 40-year prison term. His brother Maher, who was also involved in the murder, is expected to be released from prison in the coming days. 

Both Younes and his brother were among the prisoners who were to be released a decade ago as part of a deal brokered by then US Secretary of State John Kerry.  

However, those negotiations failed and Younes remained in prison until this morning, when prison services released him in the town of Ra'anana. Younes' family members were not informed of his release in order to avoid crowds and celebrations outside the prison. According to i24News, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir banned celebrations following Younes' release on the grounds that such events represent "support for terrorism".  

The Israeli media outlet also notes that Interior Minister Aryeh Deri called for Younes' Israeli citizenship to be revoked. "It is unthinkable that these people should continue to hold Israeli citizenship. Revoking citizenship will send an important message to those who consider the perpetrators of terrorist acts as a symbol," Deri said. 

Relatives of the soldier killed by Younes have also spoken out. Avi Bromberg's sister, Adah, told the Israel Hayom newspaper that it was "unthinkable that these people would walk among us, laugh and have fun"

Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas has welcomed the release of Younes, describing him as "a symbol of the Palestinian people and the free people of the world", according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Abbas stressed that the prisoners "are the cause of the entire Palestinian people" and "the highest priority", assuring that the Palestinian leadership "will do everything possible to free them" from Israeli detention centres. 

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