Hamas leader in West Bank dies in Israeli custody

A Hamas leader in the West Bank has died in Israeli custody after a deterioration in his health condition, the Palestinian Commission of Detainees Affairs says in a statement.

Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara, 63, died after being transferred to a hospital from the Ramon jail in southern Israel, the PA body says.

“Before his arrest, he was suffering from serious health problems and needed intensive medical follow-up. However, from the moment of his arrest, Sheikh Abu Ara, like all prisoners, has faced unprecedented crimes … since the beginning of the war of extermination,” the commission says.

⚡️ Martyrdom of #Hamas leader Sheikh Mustafa Abu Ara in the occupation prisons.

Sheikh Mustafa is from the first generation of #Hamas in the West Bank. pic.twitter.com/XxuK63bTOV

— Middle East Observer (@ME_Observer_) July 25, 2024

Abu Ara was arrested in October, and spent a total of 12 years behind bars, according to Hamas.

There is no immediate comment from Israel.