RAMALLAH, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The Palestinian Center for the Defense of Prisoners said Wednesday that this year’s Ramadan marks one of the harshest periods for Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons in more than four decades, amid escalating repressive measures.
In a statement, the center reported that prisoners are facing unprecedented conditions during the holy month, including the lack of regular pre-dawn (suhoor) meals and significant delays in breaking the fast, worsening the suffering of fasting detainees and negatively impacting their health.
The center also highlighted strict restrictions on religious practices, including bans on group prayers and Tarawih in several prison sections, as well as limitations on bringing in copies of the Qur’an, measures it described as clear violations of religious freedom.
It added that the condition of sick prisoners is deteriorating due to medical neglect, lack of medication, and poor nutrition, placing their lives at serious risk, particularly given the overall decline in health conditions inside detention facilities.
The statement further noted that prisoner transfers in “bosta” vehicles during Ramadan increase suffering, as detainees endure long hours in harsh conditions without regard for fasting or their medical needs.
The impact of these measures extends to prisoners’ families, who are experiencing Ramadan under distress due to suspended visits and lack of communication, deepening the humanitarian toll of detention.
The center stressed that these practices constitute serious violations of human rights and freedom of worship, calling on the international community and human rights organizations to urgently intervene and pressure for an end to violations against Palestinian prisoners.
