A Palestinian UN worker sentenced by Israel to seven months for aiding Hamas was released today and returned to Gaza, calling his prosecution “unjust” and hoping to resume his job.
Waheed Borsh, 39, arrived at his home in the southern Gaza Strip and was greeted by dozens of well-wishers handing out sweets and singing songs.
Israeli forces detained Borsh, an engineer, on July 16, causing a major stir in the aid community.
He was sentenced last week to seven months in prison in a plea deal, but released on the basis of time served and for good behavior.
Israel initially claimed Borsh had been recruited by Hamas but it later dropped the allegation.
He was convicted for “rendering services to an illegal organization without intention,” his lawyer says.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), where Borsh worked, says the deal showed there had been no wrongdoing by the organisation.
— AFP
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