Israeli Minister Threatens Palestinian Prisoner Hassan Salameh in Cell

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the prison cell of Palestinian prisoner Hassan Salameh and directly threatened him, stating, "I want to kill you, I want to execute you," according to the Palestinian Center for Defense of Prisoners. The center reported the incident, which was filmed, as a dangerous development, emphasizing that Salameh was under the control of prison forces when the threats were made.

Salameh has been imprisoned for approximately 30 years, with nearly half of that time spent in solitary confinement. He also suffers from several chronic illnesses, the center stated. The center described Ben-Gvir's actions as a serious level of humiliation and abuse, accusing him of using prisoners for political gain and display.

The Palestinian Center for Defense of Prisoners warned against using prisoners' conditions or tightened measures for political posturing, especially with Israeli elections approaching. They criticized Ben-Gvir's repeated prison visits and filmed threats as indicative of a lack of accountability, expressing concern that such incitement could negatively impact prisoners' well-being.

The center called for a serious investigation into the threats against Salameh and for his safety and health to be monitored, given his long detention and chronic conditions. The incident occurred while Salameh was inside his cell, under the custody of prison authorities.