GAZA CITY // Israel has released a member of the Palestinian national football team who lobbied for his freedom with a hunger strike of more than three months.
Mahmoud Sarsak greeted well-wishers in his native Gaza today after being held three years in Israeli custody without charges or trial.
Israel has accused Mr Sarsak of being active in Islamic Jihad, a claim he denies.
During his hunger strike, the 25-year-old lost nearly half his weight. He ended the fast last month as part of a deal for his release.
At a Gaza hospital, he emerged from an ambulance and kissed his parents and family members.
Israel said earlier today that he was to be released.