"The sacrifices of Gaza’s people freed me"

After being freed, Barq’ah spoke to Anadolu and described the torture he had to endure, which included frequent physical and psychological abuse, starvation, and beatings. He credited his freedom to the Palestinian resistance's tenacity and the sacrifices made by the people of Gaza.
"I was sentenced to 20 life terms and served 20 years of that sentence. Today, I am free, and my chains have been broken thanks to the resistance," Barq’ah said.
Seated with his sisters at a recreational center in Ramallah, he expressed gratitude to the people of Gaza.
"We thank the steadfast people of Gaza who worked on this prisoner exchange deal. We owe this freedom to their resilience and sacrifice and we pray for the martyrs who gave their lives for our cause," he added.
Barq’ah was arrested on July 26, 2002, and sentenced by an Israeli court to 20 life terms for his alleged involvement in an operation in occupied Jerusalem. He was released Saturday as part of a prisoner exchange deal mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.
"Unbearable living conditions"
Barq'ah emphasized the appalling conditions in Israeli jails, pointing out that his physical condition is a reflection of the suffering he has experienced.
"Our faces convey the suffering and mistreatment we went through. Torture, beatings, and starvation caused us to lose a lot of weight," he said.
Barq'ah highlighted his steadfast dedication to the Palestinian cause in spite of health concerns, such as disc issues and a stomach ulcer made worse by his confinement.
"Our faith in our just cause and the support of our people gave us strength. We are people of justice, and we will continue to fight for our rights," he stated.
He expressed immense joy at his release, calling it a victory. "To be among our people and in our homeland is a victory in itself."
However, he also pointed to the ongoing suffering of Palestinian prisoners. "They live under extremely harsh conditions, waiting for their own freedom."