Wed Nov 19 18:43:08 UTC 2025: Headline: Report Alleges Widespread Torture and Abuse of Palestinian Prisoners in Israeli Facilities

Jerusalem – A new report by Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI) has revealed a disturbing pattern of torture, abuse, and medical neglect inflicted upon Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention facilities. The report details the deaths of at least 94 Palestinian prisoners, attributing their deaths to torture, assault, deliberate medical neglect, or malnutrition. PHRI suggests the actual number of fatalities is likely much higher.

The report cites testimonies, official records, and evidence collected by various human rights organizations, highlighting a systemic issue extending beyond individual incidents. Oneg Ben Dror, a report author, stated that this alleged mistreatment is “an Israeli policy directed against Palestinians.”

The report highlights several cases, including that of Abd al-Rahman Mar’i, whose body was returned to his family covered in bruises and fractures. Another case involves Walid Khaled Abdullah Ahmad, who died after suffering severe malnutrition during his six-month detention. Arafat Hamdan, a diabetic detainee, reportedly died after being beaten and denied insulin.

Since the start of the war on Gaza in October 2023, Israel has reportedly arrested over 18,500 Palestinians, many of whom have allegedly faced abuse. Furthermore, the report raises concerns about the fate of an unknown number of Palestinians subjected to enforced disappearances under Israel’s Unlawful Combatants Law.

Accusations of torture have been ongoing throughout the conflict, including allegations of abuse against United Nations staff. Despite mounting evidence, Israel has restricted access to its prisons for international agencies like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Milena Ansari from HRW criticized the lack of accountability, stating, “This isn’t about isolated abuses, but a broader pattern carried out with impunity.”

While Israeli authorities maintain that Palestinian prisoners are treated in accordance with international law, the PHRI report and other human rights organizations paint a starkly different picture, raising serious concerns about the treatment of Palestinian detainees within the Israeli prison system.

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