Khalida Jarrar: A Symbol of Palestinian Resistance in the Prisoner Exchange Agreement
Prominent Activist and Advocate for Palestinian Rights Included in January 2025 Prisoner Swap
Watan–Khalida Jarrar, the Palestinian activist and member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, is included in the first phase of a prisoner exchange agreement between the Palestinian resistance and the Israeli occupation, scheduled for implementation on January 19, 2025. Jarrar, known for her patriotic stances and her role in advocating for Palestinian rights, is also a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
Throughout her political career, Khalida Jarrar has faced repeated administrative detention without clear charges, highlighting the injustice faced by Palestinian activists in Israeli prisons. In one of the occupation’s military trials, she was accused of “incitement and involvement in terrorism” and sentenced to 15 months in prison. However, following an international campaign, she was released after six months of detention.
Since December 26, 2023, Jarrar has endured harsh conditions in an Israeli cell described by human rights advocates as lacking the most basic necessities of life. Testimonies revealed that she is confined in a cramped, poorly ventilated cell, forcing her to lie near the door to obtain minimal oxygen.
Khalida Jarrar’s efforts extend beyond political work, as she has played a pivotal role in the field of human rights and the rights of Palestinian prisoners. She served as the director of the human rights organization “Addameer” from 1993 to 2005 and contributed significantly to advancing Palestine’s accession to the International Criminal Court.
Khalida Jarrar represents a symbol of Palestinian resilience against the occupation, making her inclusion in the prisoner exchange agreement a moment of special significance for the Palestinian people.
