RAMALLAH, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The Asra Media Office (AMO) documented a sharp rise in violations against Palestinian prisoners inside Israeli prisons during July, including torture, starvation, medical neglect and isolation, as the number of detainees reached unprecedented levels.
In a research paper issued on Tuesday, the AMO said the number of prisoners had reached 9,400, including 94 women, 350 children, 3,244 administrative detainees and 1,320 detainees held under Israel’s so-called “unlawful combatant” law.
The AMO added that the number of arrests since the start of the war on Gaza had exceeded 24,600.
The paper documented an escalation in repression inside prisons, including raids on sections, beatings of prisoners, the use of rubber bullets and police dogs, solitary confinement and humiliating searches.
It said violations against women prisoners in Damon Prison continued amid the spread of disease and medical neglect. The paper also documented physical and sexual torture, particularly against detainees from the Gaza Strip.
The AMO elaborated that Israeli authorities continued the policy of administrative detention, expanded the use of the so-called “unlawful combatant” law, and targeted leaders of the prisoners’ movement with isolation and assaults.
It also warned of the deteriorating health conditions of sick prisoners, foremost among them detained doctor Hussam Abu Safiya.
Testimonies from released prisoners revealed that they were subjected to beatings, insults, torture and strip searches from the moment of arrest, with such practices continuing during interrogation and transfers between prisons.
The testimonies also showed the continuation of a starvation policy, poor food quality, deprivation of clothing and hygiene supplies, and reduced yard time, further worsening prisoners’ living and health conditions.
The paper noted the spread of skin diseases, especially scabies, amid the continued denial of treatment and medical care.
It also highlighted the harsh interrogations, repeated assaults and inhumane detention conditions faced by Gaza detainees.
The AMO said the effects of torture are not limited to physical harm, but also extend to psychological damage, leaving prisoners with lasting trauma, fear and nightmares.
It called on the international community to act urgently to stop the violations and ensure protection for Palestinian detainees.
