12 Prison Guards Charged in Death of Palestinian Militant

The State Prosecutor's Office has filed charges against 12 Israel Prison Service (IPS) officers for the reckless endangerment death of a Palestinian Fatah militant, Thaer Abu A'asab, and the assault of eight other militants at Ketziot Prison. The incident occurred in November 2023, during the ongoing "Swords of Iron" war.

According to the indictment, the events began when the prisoner asked the shift sergeant if there was a "hudna," or ceasefire, in the war. This question was relayed to the shift commander, who allegedly briefed his unit before the evening count. The commander instructed the officers to enter the cell to inform the security prisoners that there was no ceasefire, stating he would "take responsibility for everything that happens inside the cell."

The group of guards, including the commander and special unit operatives, entered the cell housing Abu A'asab and eight other prisoners. The indictment alleges the guards acted together against the prisoners, with the shift commander supervising and participating in the incident, and that they failed to report the events.

Shortly after, Abu A'asab was taken to the prison clinic and then to Soroka Hospital, where his death was pronounced. The other eight prisoners in the cell sustained injuries. The indictment also charges the shift commander and sergeant with obstruction of justice, alleging they attempted to cover up the incident and coordinate testimonies after a police investigation began.

The IPS stated that the incident occurred before the current commissioner took office. However, the current commissioner decided early in his tenure to terminate the employment of some individuals involved, sending a clear message of zero tolerance for violations of law and organizational discipline.