The death toll of Palestinians in Israeli custody has risen to almost 100 individuals since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza, as per a recent report by a human rights organization. The report, released by Physicians for Human Rights – Israel (PHRI), highlights the prevalence of systematic violence and inadequate medical attention within prisons and detention facilities, leading to numerous documented fatalities.
PHRI’s findings align with investigations by The Associated Press, which included interviews with witnesses of prison misconduct, analysis of available data, and scrutiny of autopsy reports. Out of the 98 prisoner deaths recorded by PHRI following the October 7, 2023, conflict-triggering incident, 27 occurred in 2023, 50 in 2024, and 21 in the current year, with the most recent fatality reported on November 2.
The actual death toll during this period is believed to be significantly higher, with Israel withholding information on numerous Palestinians detained during the conflict. Prior to the war, fewer than 30 Palestinian prisoners perished in Israeli custody over a decade, contrasting sharply with the surge in deaths post-conflict. The prison population more than doubled to 11,000 individuals after the conflict began, predominantly from Gaza and the West Bank, with the mortality rate among detainees escalating even more rapidly, according to PHRI data.
PHRI’s documentation of these deaths involved interviews with former detainees and prison medical personnel, examination of autopsy reports, and verification of fatalities through freedom of information requests. Naji Abbas, a PHRI director, expressed concern over the distressing number of deaths in Israeli custody, attributing it to a system lacking ethical and professional boundaries.
Israel’s Prison Service maintains that its operations adhere to legal standards and refrained from commenting on the death toll, redirecting inquiries to the Israeli army. The army acknowledged detainee fatalities, citing pre-existing health conditions or combat-related injuries as contributing factors. Allegations of mistreatment or substandard conditions are reportedly investigated, with violators facing disciplinary measures and potential criminal probes.
A former guard at the Sde Teiman military prison in southern Israel revealed details of the alarming situation within the facility, where prisoners were reportedly mistreated and neglected. The guard described an incident where a deceased Palestinian prisoner was disregarded by staff, illustrating the lack of urgency in responding to such situations. Despite initial reluctance, the guard admitted to partaking in physical abuse of detainees, highlighting the pervasive culture of violence within the prison.
Reports indicate that guards, under pressure to reduce fatalities, resorted to installing surveillance cameras to curb abuses. However, ongoing concerns persist regarding the treatment of detainees, with only sporadic accountability measures taken against offenders. The legal fraternity criticizes the lack of thorough investigations into alleged abuses, underscoring the perpetuation of systemic issues.
Instances of medical neglect and abuse within Israeli detention facilities have been documented, raising further questions about the treatment of prisoners. Autopsy reports have revealed patterns of physical harm and neglect, exemplified by the case of Mohammad Husein Ali, who exhibited signs of assault leading to fatal injuries while in custody. The victim’s family attested to his previous incarceration and raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death, emphasizing the emotional toll on loved ones left behind.
The complexity of investigating deaths in Israeli custody underscores the need for transparency and accountability in addressing systemic challenges within the prison system.