Palestinian said release from prison was ‘unexpected’ after Israel placed her in solitary confinement

Israel sent Marah Bakr to prison at the age of 17. She described her eight-year stint in prison to Middle East Eye contributor Faiz Abu Amleh and said her release on Friday was “unexpected”. 

"Life in prison was difficult. Some days were better than others. But if you trust God and know there are people who have your back... you know everything passes in the end,” said Bakr. 

“It was difficult, especially at the start, because I was young and needed my mother's care. But the other female prisoners took care of me—all praise to God.” 

Bakr said that Israel placed her and other female prisoners in solitary confinement after Hamas launched its surprise assault into southern Israel. 

“Since 7 October, conditions worsened in jail because they separated us from each other. Prison guards kept trying to emotionally manipulate me,” said Bakr. 

“The worst part is I knew nothing about about my family. I had no contact with them, but I kept dreaming about them.

“I always knew I would be released in a prisoner exchange deal, but I didn't know it would come during the war.

“It is very painful to me [to be released in these conditions]. I know the martyrs [in Gaza] died for this. I want to send them my greetings and my prayers. Stay strong, and God will bring His relief.

“I want to spend a lot of time with my family. Then I want to go to university. I want to study law."