Palestinian Detainees Report Torture, Starvation in Israeli Prisons

An investigative report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, based on testimonies from five former Palestinian detainees, reveals allegations of severe mistreatment within Israeli prisons and detention centers over the past 18 months. The detainees, released between April 2025 and July 2026, claim they endured beatings, starvation, medical neglect, and harsh detention conditions, including widespread scabies and a lack of hygiene supplies. Some reported suffering broken bones and serious health issues, with significant weight loss ranging from 15% to 50% due to food shortages. The testimonies cover conditions in Megiddo, Nafha, Ketziot, Ofer, and Damon prisons, as well as a military detention center in Hawara. The report highlights the alleged involvement of the Prison Service's "Keter" unit in violent assaults.

According to the investigation, there were 9,329 Palestinian "security" detainees in Israeli prisons as of September. Less than 16% had been convicted, with the rest awaiting trial, under administrative detention without charge, or classified as "unlawful combatants." Haaretz noted that the Prison Service has released hundreds of Palestinian detainees monthly since the start of the Gaza war, independent of any prisoner exchange deals, with approximately 5,000 released in 2024. These figures raise questions about statements by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who labels Palestinian detainees as terrorists or security threats.

Among the testimonies is that of Palestinian journalist Ali Al-Samoudi, 59, who was held under administrative detention for a year. He claims he lost nearly 60 kilograms, experienced severe health problems, and witnessed repeated room raids involving beatings of bound detainees. He also recounted the death of a detainee, Luai Turkman, whose health deteriorated due to delayed medical attention. Al-Samoudi believes his detention was an attempt to silence Palestinian journalists.

Heba Al-Alawi, 38, a mother of five, spent five and a half months in Damon prison. She reported losing 36 kilograms and suffering beatings, including one that broke her teeth, and a prolonged internal hemorrhage. She also described severe food scarcity, scabies outbreaks, and a lack of basic necessities. Al-Alawi stated she still suffers psychological effects from her detention.

Journalist Samer Khweira, 45, spent nine months in administrative detention. He described the spread of scabies and other infections among detainees, with delayed treatment. He lost 22 kilograms and noted his nine-year-old son did not recognize him upon his release. Activist Rabie Abu Naim reported beatings, electric shocks, and a broken rib at Ofer detention center, with inadequate medical care. Another former detainee, identified only as "R," described overcrowded cells, infrequent showers, and nightly raids with rubber bullets, gas, and beatings at Ketziot prison.

The Israel Prison Service denied the allegations, calling them "baseless" and part of a campaign to defame Israel. They stated prisons operate legally under judicial oversight and detainees receive their legal rights and medical treatment. The Israeli military asserted that its detention centers provide adequate conditions according to Israeli and international law, with internal and judicial oversight. They denied systematic abuse, emphasizing that mistreatment is prohibited. The Shin Bet declined to comment on the reasons for the administrative detention of Al-Samoudi, Abu Naim, and Khweira.