RAMALLAH, West Bank – A wave of jubilation swept through the streets of Ramallah on January 15, 2025, as Zakaria Zubeidi, the prominent Palestinian resistance figure formerly associated with the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, was released as part of the latest ‘Flood of the Free’ captives exchange deal between Hamas and Israel. Emerging from nearly seven years of imprisonment, the 49-year-old was greeted by ecstatic crowds chanting his name, visibly emaciated yet defiant, raising two fingers in triumph.
Zubeidi's release, alongside 109 other Palestinians, followed the ceasefire agreement reached on January 15, which aimed to end Israel's brutal 15-month military campaign against Gaza, one of the bloodiest episodes of the conflict, resulting in the deaths of over 47,000 Palestinians. For many Palestinians, Zubeidi is not just another released prisoner; he is seen as a symbol of resistance against what they perceive as decades of occupation and oppression.
The story of Zakaria Zubeidi begins long before these recent events. Born in 1976 within the sprawling confines of the Jenin refugee camp, he grew up witnessing the harsh realities of life under Israeli military occupation from an early age. His family had been forcibly expelled from their village during the 1948 Nakba, and his father, Mohammed, had experienced imprisonment due to his involvement with the Fatah movement, founded by Yasser Arafat.
From his teenage years, Zubeidi was embroiled in acts of resistance. After suffering serious injury from gunfire during protests at the age of 13, he was first arrested for throwing stones. His subsequent experiences steadily radicalized him, particularly following the deaths of his mother and brother during Israeli military actions. These events compelled him to join the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, where he rose through the ranks to become one of the most wanted men by the Israeli military.
His transition from militant to cultural figure came when he was offered the directorship of the Freedom Theater by Juliano Mer-Khamis, utilizing art as a tool for resisting the occupation and empowering the youth of his community. Yet, this was not to shield him from the Israeli military’s punitive measures, as he found himself imprisoned multiple times, most recently arrested for alleged armed resistance.
The excitement surrounding Zubeidi's release has been palpable. Supporters hoisted him onto their shoulders, chanting slogans of liberation. “May God have mercy on the martyrs of Gaza, heal their wounded, return them to their homes safely, and protect Jenin camp,” Zubeidi declared, underscoring his commitment to the Palestinian struggle even from the confines of his prison cell. He concluded with a powerful message about sovereignty and resistance: “The dragon is the owner of the land, and the hunter is an invader who must leave.”
His figures are more than just statistics for the Palestinian community. To many, he embodies the spirit of their struggle against the Israeli occupation. Zubeidi's release signals not just the freedom of one man but also offers hope and inspiration to countless others who continue to fight against what they see as colonial aggression.
Nonetheless, the Israeli media and officials reacted with mixed sentiments. Some have painted Zubeidi as a terrorist and yet another danger released as part of concessions to Hamas. This dichotomy serves as a stark reminder of the deeply divided narratives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Each side views figures like Zubeidi through vastly different lenses—hero to some, villain to others.
Critics of the release argue it undermines Israeli security, asserting such figures should remain imprisoned to prevent them from regrouping and posing future threats. Meanwhile, proponents see the exchange as necessary for peace and redemption—a recognition of the brutal realities faced by Palestinians under occupation.
The significance of Zubeidi's release is amplified beyond mere numbers; it has reignited fervent discussions surrounding the plight of Palestinian prisoners and the continuously volatile dynamics between Hamas and the Israeli state. The captives exchange is emblematic of the larger democratic process—or lack thereof—existing within the realms of both Israeli and Palestinian society.
Looking forward, Zubeidi's future will likely involve continued advocacy for Palestinian rights, echoing the sentiments of many who lost family members during the recent conflict. With his complex history and the emotional weight of his experiences, he walks out not just as a free man but as part of the narrative of resistance. His leadership will play a pivotal role as he becomes once again involved with his community, symbolizing resilience even through personal loss.
With continued calls for justice echoing across the West Bank, Zubeidi remains emblematic of the struggle against oppression, serving as both a reminder of the past and hopeful of the future. His life story, marred with grief yet fortified by resilience, is bound to inspire the new generation of Palestinians to continue fighting for their rights and freedom.