Senior Hamas official released from Saudi Arabia, heads to Jordan

Mohammad al-Khudary was detained in 2019, together with dozens of others.

Mohammad al-Khudary had been in Saudi detention since 2019 [File: Cliff Owen/AP Photo]

Authorities in Saudi Arabia have launched Mohammad al-Khudary, an 83-year-old senior Hamas official, after greater than three years in detention, in keeping with the Palestinian group.

Izzat al-Rishiq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, stated in an announcement that al-Khudary was on board a airplane heading to Jordan.

“I spoke to him and he's in good spirits. He hopes and he prays that the remainder of his detained brothers be freed,” stated al-Rishiq.

There was no quick remark from Saudi officers.

Al-Khudary was detained by Saudi authorities in 2019, together with dozens of others. Human rights organisation Amnesty Worldwide stated in March that al-Khudari’s life was “at severe danger in jail”.

Al-Rishiq stated Hamas “extremely” appreciated Saudi Arabia’s transfer to launch al-Khudary.

“We pray that the step is an introduction to opening a brand new chapter and seeing the discharge of the remaining prisoners.”