Zakaria Zubeidi, a former Fatah Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades commander in Jenin, is set to be released on Saturday in exchange for four Israeli hostages held in Gaza, Ynet reported on Thursday.
The Israel Defense Forces has warned that any involvement in terrorism or possession of weapons post-release will make him a target.
Zubeidi, arrested in 2019 for shooting attacks and known for his 2021 Gilboa Prison escape, holds symbolic significance in the northern Samaria city. He was recaptured five days after his prison break.
Since he was not convicted of murder but of other terror offenses, he will not be deported abroad and is expected to be released back to Judea and Samaria.
The Fatah terror leader’s son, Mohammed Zubeidi, was among six people killed in an Israeli drone strike in Tubas in northeastern Samaria in September.
His anticipated release coincides with the IDF’s “Operation Iron Wall” targeting Jenin’s terror infrastructure. The operation includes air strikes, ground raids and controlled civilian movements to minimize harm to noncombatants.
Four Israelis kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, including Arbel Yehud and three female soldiers, are slated to be released on Saturday as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire that will see 33 captives freed over the course of 42 days.
Three civilian women were released after the ceasefire went into effect on Sunday.
For each soldier released, Israel is to release 50 Palestinian prisoners, including convicted terrorists.
