JUST IN: Top Hamas Leader, Abu Ara Is Dead

A leader of Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, has passed away while under Israeli custody, as confirmed by the Palestinian authorities and the group itself.

Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara, aged 63, reportedly died following his transfer from a correctional facility in the southern region of Israel to a medical facility.

This information was shared in a joint statement by the Palestinian Authority’s Prisoners Affairs Body and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club Watchdog.

“We mourn the passing of the leader and prisoner Sheikh Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara and hold the occupation responsible for his assassination through deliberate medical neglect,” Hamas said in a statement.

Abu Ara was apprehended in October, amidst reports of significant health complications, according to the Palestinian Authority and a human rights organization.

During his period of detention, he reportedly suffered serious torture and deprivation of food, as further details have been disclosed.

However, Israel’s military has yet to provide a response to inquiries regarding this matter, according to AFP.

The Palestinian authorities have alleged this month that Israel is perpetuating an abusive “war of revenge” against Palestinian detainees since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

At the time, the Israeli military said it “rejects outright allegations concerning systematic abuse of detainees”, adding that it acts within international law.