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US Release of Hamas-Linked Mofid Mashaal Stirs Speculation About Hostage Deal

Khaled Mashaal’s brother released from US prison, raising hopes for hostage deal progress

The unexpected release of Mofid Abdel Kader Mashaal, the brother of former Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal, from a U.S. prison has sparked hopes that it could signal progress toward a potential hostage agreement.

Ismail Haniyeh(on the left), Khaled Mashal.
Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib / Flash90

Mashaal, who had been serving a 20-year sentence for financing Hamas through the Holy Land Foundation, was reportedly freed after serving 16 years. According to Israeli media, he will now spend the next year in a rehabilitation facility. While the U.S. government has not confirmed the release, it has been widely reported by Arab media outlets.

This release comes amid ongoing discussions about a possible hostage deal, leading to speculation that the two events might be linked. Additionally, Arab media have reported that the sentences of four other American-Palestinians associated with the Holy Land Foundation have been significantly reduced, according to Yeshiva world news reports.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden announced a historic clemency initiative, commuting sentences for 1,500 individuals and granting pardons to 39. It remains unclear if Mashaal's release is related to this initiative.

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