TEHRAN – Palestinians detained by Zionists have been in a state of limbo in Israeli jails. Often, their incarceration is simply without merit.

Hamas authorities have denied Israeli reports about negotiations for a prisoner swap deal with Israel.

The head of the Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, Issa Qaraqe, talks to a Mehr News Agency correspondent.

Following is the text of the interview:

Q: Please tell us about the latest situation of Palestinian prisoners in the Zionist regime’s jails, in terms of health and pressure imposed on them by the occupiers.

A: It is clear that there is Israeli hostility towards the Palestinian detainees, in particular that the detainees’ property is confiscated for supporting the families of the captives and martyrs.

This crime is a terrorist act that is unacceptable on all counts. These laws are racially hostile to the Palestinian people and their rights. So we disagree with these laws and support the families of martyrs and captives.

We stand by our religious and moral duty against these Israeli actions. Accordingly, we declare that the occupying government is a terrorist regime and the worst government in the Middle East. Our captives are not terrorists, and the Palestinian people are proud of them.

Q: How do current Palestinian detainees continue to fight the Zionists?

A: The prisoners have begun thinking of this rape and abuse and advocating for a massive protest inside prisons against the existing laws and daily measures taken by the occupiers, such as arrests and other measures. I believe that the situation inside the prisons will explode in protest.

Q: Are there any negotiations between Zionists and Palestinian for exchanges of prisoners?

A: There is a document and an international agreement on the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli soldiers in the Hamas movement. Recently, there has been progress, but things have not been clarified, or perhaps the process has stopped because of Israeli sabotage. Hamas believes that any exchange should include hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Q: Do international and human rights organizations pay attention to the Palestinian prisoners issue in Zionist jails?

A: There is international attention, but on the other hand, there is massive pressure from the Israelis on public opinion. We talked about the situation of the detainees in Geneva at the UN in the presence of legal bodies and the Special Representative for Human Rights. The international awareness should lead to Israel’s respect for international instruments and treaties, but so far nothing.

Q: What do you think of a plan called the “deal of the century” and the role of some Arab regimes in its implementation?
A: Anyone who approves this cruel American plan has been aligned with the Zionists. The “deal of the century” is unacceptable and it is an Israeli deal. The deal seeks to destroy all the Palestinians’ legitimate rights, and anyone who explicitly or implicitly endorses this deal has betrayed al-Quds and all sacred and national values.

Q: How has the Great March of Return rallies revived the rights of the Palestinian people?
A: Israel murdered and suppressed Palestinian demonstrators, but their brutality provoked more anger and concerns even among Israelis.
These rallies have proved effective, as many men and women have stood against Israeli weapons. Certainly, this is part of Palestinians’ heroic struggle.