Palestinian women’s footballer free after 6 days in Israeli detention

Palestinian women’s national football team player Rand Halawani has been released from Israeli detention after spending six days in custody, according to her family and Israeli authorities, reports Asharq Al-Awsat via agencies on June 8th.

The 20-year-old was released on the evening of June 7th following a court ruling that requires her to remain under house arrest for five days while legal proceedings continue.

Halawani’s mother, Wissam Halawani, said she had endured an extremely difficult period during her daughter’s detention and expressed relief at her return home.

Israeli police confirmed the player’s release and said the court had ordered her temporary house arrest. Authorities stressed that the decision should not be viewed as an indication of the outcome of any future legal proceedings related to the case.

Halawani was arrested last week alongside an 18-year-old man in connection with an incident in Jerusalem. Police allege that objects were thrown from a balcony at demonstrators marching on a street below.

According to Israeli authorities, the investigation remains active, with evidence still being gathered and reviewed.

The Palestinian Football Association welcomed Halawani’s release, sharing a statement on social media late on June 7th. Accompanied by a photograph of the player wearing the Palestinian national team’s colours, the association celebrated her return and described her release as a moment of freedom.

The case has drawn attention amid broader concerns over the number of Palestinians being held in Israeli detention facilities.

The Palestinian Prisoners Club, a rights organisation that monitors detainees, said the number of Palestinian women currently held in Israeli prisons and detention camps has risen to around 95.

The group also estimates that approximately 9,500 Palestinians are being held in Israeli prisons and detention facilities overall.

Halawani’s release comes as scrutiny of detention practices and prisoner numbers continues amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While she has returned home, the investigation into the Jerusalem incident remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated that legal proceedings could continue in the coming weeks.

Asharq Al-Awsat via agencies, Maghrebi.org