Maher Younis, a prominent former Palestinian prisoner and a leading figure among Palestinian detainees, has died of illness at his home in the town of Ar’ara in the occupied territories.
Younis was among the longest-serving Palestinian prisoners and was widely known as the “40-year prisoner.” He was arrested by Israeli forces on January 18, 1983. Initially sentenced to death, his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment and subsequently reduced to 40 years in prison.
He was released on January 19, 2023, after serving four decades in prison, and returned to his hometown of Ar’ara, where he embraced his mother for the first time in 40 years.
During his imprisonment, Maher Younis became one of the most prominent symbols of steadfastness and resilience among Palestinian prisoners. His death has sparked widespread mourning across different parts of Palestine.