Mahmoud al-Arda, a 50-year-old Palestinian, has spent much of his life in Israeli prisons, enduring harsh conditions and solitary confinement. His journey began in 1992 when he was first arrested during the First Intifada at just 16 years old. Over the years, Arda became a symbol of resistance, rejecting the legitimacy of Israel’s occupation courts and viewing his escape attempts as acts of defiance. On September 6, 2021, he led a daring breakout from Gilboa Prison, tunneling out with five other inmates using spoons. Although recaptured within days, his story made international headlines. Arda was eventually released in October 2023 as part of a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel, but he was deported to Egypt, where he remains in exile. Despite his physical freedom, Arda describes exile as a “curse” and yearns to return to his homeland. His life in prison was marked by relentless abuse, including torture and medical neglect, yet he found solace in reading and collective resistance. Arda’s story highlights the broader struggles of Palestinian prisoners and the systemic abuses they face. He remains steadfast in his commitment to the Palestinian cause, vowing to continue resisting Israel’s occupation.
Jailbreak, freedom, exile: Life of Mahmoud al-Arda, architect of daring Israeli prison escape
