Palestinian Prisoners' Groups Detail Abuse and Scabies Outbreak Among Female Detainees

Palestinian prisoners' rights groups reported on Monday that over 90 Palestinian women are currently held in Israeli prisons, facing harsh conditions and abuse. The groups highlighted a worsening outbreak of scabies among female detainees due to a lack of medical treatment and basic hygiene supplies. According to documented testimonies, these women endure physical and psychological torture, starvation, denial of medical care, and repeated assaults and raids.

The scabies infestation is described as a primary source of daily suffering, causing persistent itching and pain that disrupts sleep and daily activities. Some detainees are reportedly experiencing limb spasms. Since October 7, 2023, the organizations have documented over 810 arrests of Palestinian women in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, and within Israel. Precise figures for women detained from Gaza are unavailable.

Among the over 90 female prisoners are two minors and 22 held under administrative detention. Several suffer from illnesses, including cancer, and two are pregnant. The oldest known detainee is Shatila Abu Ayada. The report also detailed poor conditions in Hasharon and Damon prisons, citing dirty cells, unusable mattresses, spoiled food, and a lack of essential items like sanitary pads and clothing, alongside restrictions on family visits and solitary confinement.

The groups specifically mentioned detainee Bushra Al-Taweel, who has allegedly been in solitary confinement for nearly two months under harsh conditions, facing repeated abuse and visitation obstacles, despite calls for her release. Most female detainees are reportedly held on charges of "incitement" related to social media activity, while others are under administrative detention based on secret files, without clear charges or the opportunity to confront evidence.

The organizations urged the international community to take concrete action to hold Israel accountable, ensure the protection of all Palestinian prisoners, and end torture, arbitrary detention, and impunity.