BREAKING NEWS

Israel frees Palestinian soccer player from prison

By REUTERS

JULY 10, 2012 18:51

GAZA - Israel released a member of the Palestinian national soccer team on Tuesday after holding him in jail without trial for three years, during which he staged an intermittent four-month hunger strike in protest, Palestinian officials said.

Mahmoud al-Sarsak, 25, alleged to have been active in the Islamic Jihad terrorist group, received a hero's welcome on his return home to Islamist-ruled Gaza.

Soccer legend Eric Cantona and other international figures had signed a letter drawing attention to Sarsak's plight. Sepp Blatter, president of world soccer's governing body FIFA, also wrote to the Israeli soccer authorities to seek their help.

Islamic Jihad gunmen fired into the air and fellow athletes crowded around - thrusting a soccer ball into his hands - as Sarsak was admitted to hospital in Gaza.

"I thank God and all the athletes of the world," Sarsak said, between sips from a bottle of water.

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