Israeli Security Minister's Strict Prison Diet Leaves Palestinian Detainee Half His Original Weight

Photos circulating on social media on August 11, 2026, show Palestinian detainee Nadim Abu al-Rub from Tulkarm returning home after two years under administrative detention weighing 50% less than when he was imprisoned. The images, shared by Quds News Network, highlight the harsh new reality in Israeli security prisons following policy changes by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Since January 2023, Ben-Gvir vowed to end what he called the "kindergarten" treatment of security prisoners, imposing severe restrictions on their rights and privileges. After the October 7 events, the policy intensified, enforcing a strict nutritional standard that meets only the legal minimum calorie intake, effectively turning incarceration into what critics call Ben-Gvir's "extreme weight loss program." The dramatic physical decline of detainees like Abu al-Rub symbolizes this new approach, marking a significant shift in the conditions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. The policy has sparked sharp criticism and cynical reactions across Arab social media under the hashtag #AbuFit, reflecting outrage over the treatment of detainees.