Palestinian Prisoner Details Harsh Conditions, Abuse During Detention
Palestinian prisoner Dhikra Nasser is facing severe health and detention conditions in Israel's Damon Prison, according to a report released by the Palestinian Prisoners Affairs Commission. Nasser, from Deir Sharaf near Nablus, was arrested on February 9, 2026, and has since described a lack of basic necessities and healthcare.
Her account details a harsh arrest process, including a midnight raid on her father's home, forced strip searches, and soldiers photographing her while she was allegedly insulted and yelled at. She claims she was thrown onto the floor of a military vehicle and prevented from moving until morning, suffering blows to her back when she attempted to move. Nasser alleges she was then taken to Kedumim, placed on the ground near dirt, mocked by soldiers, and beaten on her head and face, causing severe pain. She was subsequently taken to the Moscobiya detention center, where she remained blindfolded and restrained for hours, undergoing another strip search, with female soldiers confiscating her prayer clothes and headscarf.
Nasser spent 17 days in the Moscobiya, describing the conditions as "grave," with cells likened to graves, thin mattresses on concrete floors, and insufficient heating and ventilation. She characterized the food as poor and the lighting inadequate, deeming the overall environment unfit for human life. On the 18th day of her detention, she was moved to Ramle and placed in an outdoor waiting room during cold, rainy weather while fasting for Ramadan. The following day, she was transferred to Damon Prison, where she underwent a third strip search.
Nasser stated that Damon Prison currently holds about 81 female prisoners, excluding those in interrogation. She described the detention conditions as "very bad," citing meager and poor-quality food, short recreation times for showering and cleaning, and frequent suppression operations against prisoners. She reported multiple suppression incidents in March and April, including one on April 17 that resulted in her suffering a torn left wrist tendon. Another incident on May 13 involved severe beatings and verbal abuse, while a May 5 suppression saw prisoners moved to the courtyard in the rain, their belongings confiscated.
Nasser also noted that conditions worsened after a visit by Itamar Ben-Gvir to the female prisoners' section. Approximately ten days before her lawyer's visit, her cell was subjected to a new suppression, with 11 prisoners moved to a small room, their belongings confiscated, and several isolated before their eventual release.
