Freedom of the "Master of Solitary" in Prisoner Exchange

After 33 years of captivity, including 13 in solitary confinement, Mahmoud Issa, known as the "Master of Solitary" in the prisons of the Zionist regime, was released as part of a prisoner exchange agreement.

News ID: 86804

Date: 14 October 2025 - 11:36

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Ultimately, the Zionist regime was forced to release Mahmoud Issa, Hamas's longest-held commander, under a prisoner swap deal agreement. He had endured 33 years of imprisonment, 13 of which were in solitary confinement.

The Israeli intelligence apparatus considered him its most dangerous prisoner, leading to his record-breaking time in isolation. He had been sentenced to three life terms plus 46 years in prison.

Mahmoud Issa, known as "Abu al-Baraa," was arrested in 1993 for his role in an operation that captured Israeli soldier Nachshon Waxman, which aimed to secure the release of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. He was also convicted for establishing the first military cell of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades in Quds and for his responsibility in several prominent resistance operations against the occupying forces and settlers.

He achieved his freedom yesterday (Monday) in a historical coincidence: the descendants of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, from among the Palestinian Resistance Forces in Gaza, fulfilled their pledge and secured his release.

Issa is one of the most prominent thinkers on issues of captivity and resistance. Due to his influence on other prisoners, he spent many years in Israeli solitary confinement, earning him the nickname "Master of Solitary."

He is also renowned for his steadfastness and strong will. Among prisoners, he was known for his ability to complete the entire Quran from memory once every three days.

This Hamas commander, who traversed a difficult path of patience and intellectual resistance, continued his educational and ideological role even under harsh conditions. He remained a teacher for prisoners and an inspiration for new generations of resistance. Within his cell, he established a new concept of resilience based on awareness, discipline, and collective spirit.

Prisoner movement sources state that the occupying regime systematically retaliated against Mahmoud Issa, viewing him as the innovator behind the idea of "capturing Israeli soldiers to free prisoners." This made him a constant target for punishment, transfer, and isolation. However, he never renounced his beliefs and consistently refused any conditional release deals.

Issa's return to his family and people is a fresh achievement for the Palestinian resistance cause. It reaffirms that the patience and sacrifices of prisoners are not in vain. The same Gaza that fought to free Sheikh Ahmed Yassin has now, decades later, secured freedom for the man who once worked for his release.

The Zionist regime released him on the condition of exile to Egypt. However, a picture of him released yesterday in Egypt sent a new message to the occupiers: an image of members of the special Unit 101 of the al-Qassam Brigades, reunited after years of separation.