Thousands mourn Palestinian prisoner in West Bank as Israel releases body following long delay

Thousands of mourners turned out in the occupied West Bank on Sunday to pay their respects to a Palestinian man who died in an Israeli prison last month, after their body was finally released.

Ahmad Abu Ali, 48, died in an Israeli hospital on 10 February following years of alleged medical negligence, The New Arab's Arabic sister site Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported.

The father of nine had various health problems related to his heart and diabetes and passed away around two years before he was due to complete his 12-year jail sentence.

"You shone bright Ahmed. You brought light on the country, Ahmed," his sister said upon receiving his body at his home.

"You lived honourably and died as a martyr."

Israeli authorities delivered his body to a military checkpoint in Hebron province on Sunday.

His body was then taken by ambulance to the nearby town of As-Samu, where he was received by Palestinian security personnel who provided him with a military funeral.

Wrapped in a Palestinian flag, Abu Ali's body was brought to a mosque in Yatta where a Muslim funeral prayer was performed.

He was then carried through the streets of Yatta, south of Hebron city, in a march attended by around 3,000 mourners before being finally laid to rest.

During the procession, Palestinian flags were raised and patriotic slogans were chanted praising Abu Ali and denouncing Israel.

During his burial, security forces fired 21 rounds into the air in a salute to the deceased.

There are 12 detainees' bodies still held by Israeli authorities after their passing, the Palestinian Prisoners' Club advocacy group said.

Among them is the body of Anis Doula, from 1980.