Israel is torturing & abusing Palestinian prisoners, international pressure is urgently needed

Israeli soldiers from the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF), along with police officers, prison guards from the Israeli Prison Services (IPS), and interrogators from the Israel Security Agency (ISA), systematically torture Palestinian detainees during their arrest, interrogation, and detention. These methods, which include physical violence, psychological abuse, and deprivation of basic rights, have been used against Palestinians since 1948.

The widespread use of such practices has been extensively documented over the past decades by numerous human rights organisations, drawing international condemnation and calls for accountability. Despite this, the systematic nature of these abuses persists, contributing to the ongoing violation of Palestinian human rights.

October 7

Since October 7, Addameer documented a dramatic increase in the number of arbitrary arrests and detentions, the use and intensity of violence, and the gravity of the crimes committed against Palestinian detainees. In almost a year, over 10,000 Palestinians have been arrested, and the number detained by the Israeli Occupation grew from over 5,000 to 9,900. 3,332 of the detainees are under administrative detention, which means that the occupation’s military court can hold any Palestinian infinitely (no matter age or gender) for up to 6 months without any evidence or charge against them.

Amongst the current detainees there are 94 women (21 are under administrative detention), and 240 children (41 are under administrative detention). The youngest administrative detainee is 14-year-old Ammar Sobhi Mohammed Abdul Kareem from Abwein in the Ramallah province, who was imprisoned in August by occupation forces who forcefully raided his home and subjected him to brutal physical violence. They blew up his doors, searched the house, beat, and then restrained him before holding him alone in one of the rooms. He was then transferred to Ofer Prison, where he remains detained and has been ordered to 4 months of administrative detention.

Violence and dehumanisation

During their arrest and transfer to prisons, Palestinian detainees are subjected to invasive body searches, some to sexual violence, harsh beatings, humiliation, threats, insults and other forms of verbal and psychological abuse. Detainees are also held under inhuman conditions, including overcrowded cells, lack of mattresses, insufficient quantities of food, and are subjected to torture as a form of collective punishment.

Due to the intensity of the torture being carried out, at least 23 detainees have been killed or died in occupation prisons since October 7. It is believed that the actual number is much higher as there is no accurate information on the quantity of Palestinian detainees from Gaza who were killed or died in detention, in particular in Sde Teman, Anatot and Ofer camps that were set up by the IOF since the beginning of the genocide.

Moreover, there is still no accurate information on the number of Palestinians from Gaza currently being detained by Israeli authorities. Human Rights organisations based in Gaza have also been unable to fully function, which has left gaps in the documentation of the violations committed by the IOF, including against prisoners.

Out of sight

The restrictions imposed by the occupying state on visits by lawyers, families, and organisations are increasing the risk of torture and mistreatment for Palestinian detainees. Over the past year, visits have become inconsistent, and the number permitted has significantly dwindled. Family members are now completely prohibited from visiting their loved ones, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is no longer allowed to access the occupation's prisons or monitor the conditions of the detainees.

Furthermore, the legal precedents of Israel’s High Court, as well as the systematic failure to prosecute Israeli soldiers, IPS officers, prison guards, or security service interrogators accused of torture and mistreatment of Palestinian detainees, illustrate the unwillingness of Israeli authorities to address these crimes. According to the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel (PCATI), while more than 1,400 complaints of torture by the ISA interrogators were submitted to the Ministry of Justice between 2001-2022, only three criminal investigations have been opened and all the cases were closed without a single indictment.

As global attention focuses on the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the Israeli occupation continues to commit crimes against Palestinian prisoners across all prisons and military camps, a reality that must not be overlooked. Indeed, the fight for Palestinian rights also encompasses the systemic abuse and mistreatment of detainees held in Israeli prisons. Solidarity efforts aimed at advocating for and raising awareness about the plight of Palestinian prisoners are deeply interconnected with the broader Palestinian struggle.

Understanding the significance of these efforts is crucial, as it represents a unified resistance against the Israeli occupation. The Palestinian cause cannot be fragmented; every aspect, from Gaza to Israeli prisons, is part of a single, overarching struggle against oppression and injustice, underscoring the need for collective action and support. This is why it is crucial that the ill-treatment faced by Palestinian detainees is brought to light.

Global attention and public knowledge of these crimes are more likely to lead to accountability and the prosecution of perpetrators. This is why our advocacy at Addameer (a civil institution that works to support Palestinian prisoners held in the occupation’s prisons), is primarily directed at the international community. Without this, injustices and public acts of torture and abuse will continue with impunity.

We call upon people around the world to stand in solidarity with Palestinian detainees and demand justice. It is time to mobilise and apply pressure on your governments to take a firm stand against Israel's use of arbitrary administrative detention. We call for the immediate release of Palestinian prisoners and an end to the unjust practices that violate basic human rights. Urge your leaders to act now and hold the occupation authorities accountable for their actions and crimes.

Jenna Abuhasna is a dedicated human rights activist and advocate at Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association. With a major in Human Rights and International Law, she serves as the International Advocacy Officer at Addameer, where she is committed to supporting prisoners and promoting their rights.

Follow her on X: @Addameer

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Opinions expressed in this article remain those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The New Arab, its editorial board or staff.