Palestinian Prisoner Dies After Prison Assault; 12 Guards Charged

Palestinian prisoner Thaer Samih Abu Asab, 38, died on November 18, 2023, at Soroka Hospital from injuries sustained during an assault inside Ketziot Prison in the Negev. Abu Asab had been detained since May 27, 2005, serving a 25-year sentence, and had spent approximately 18 years in prison. His health deteriorated following the incident, leading to his transfer from Ketziot to Soroka Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

An investigation by the Palestinian Prisoners Affairs Commission in December 2023 revealed that Abu Asab was assaulted in his cell, with his body showing severe signs of violence. The commission stated that 19 guards from the "Kiteter" unit participated in the attack, which involved beatings that led to his death. Testimony from a released prisoner corroborated these findings, detailing the assault in Room 6 where Abu Asab was specifically targeted. Medical response was delayed, with a nurse arriving about 90 minutes later and noting Abu Asab's pulse issues before his transfer for medical care.

In September 2026, the Israeli State Prosecutor's Office filed charges against 12 prison service members in connection with Abu Asab's death and the assault on eight other prisoners at Ketziot. The indictment specified that one defendant was a shift commander, while others were guards, Kiteter unit members, and a dog handler. Eleven prison service members allegedly entered the cell and beat the prisoners with fists, kicks, and batons, causing Abu Asab to lose consciousness.

Autopsy results, as reported in relation to the indictment, indicated Abu Asab suffered tears in his heart wall and multiple rib fractures, with cardiac and respiratory failure listed as the cause of death. The Prisoners Affairs Commission had called for an investigation and autopsy following his death, vowing to pursue the case to prevent its closure without indictments. Abu Asab had also experienced solitary confinement multiple times during his imprisonment, and his last family visit was in September 2023.