The death toll of Palestinians in Israeli custody has risen to close to 100 individuals since the conflict in Gaza began, as per a recent report from a human rights organization. The report highlights instances of systematic violence and lack of medical attention in prisons and detention centers that have led to numerous deaths. Physicians for Human Rights – Israel (PHRI) findings align with investigations by The Associated Press, which included interviews, data analysis, and autopsy reports.
PHRI’s report details 98 prisoner deaths since the onset of the conflict in October 2023, with 27 occurring in 2023, 50 in 2024, and 21 this year. The actual death toll is likely higher due to lack of transparency from Israeli authorities regarding hundreds of detained Palestinians. Before the conflict, PHRI notes that fewer than 30 Palestinian deaths occurred in Israeli custody over a decade. However, during the war, the prison population doubled to 11,000, predominantly from Gaza and the West Bank, leading to a significant increase in prisoner fatalities.
PHRI conducted investigations by speaking with former detainees and prison medical personnel, reviewing autopsy reports, and using freedom of information requests to confirm deaths. Naji Abbas, a PHRI director, expressed concern over the high mortality rate in Israeli custody, indicating a breakdown of ethical and professional standards within the system.
The head of Israel’s prison system had previously acknowledged lowering prison conditions to the legal minimum. Israeli authorities stated that the Prison Service operates within legal bounds and deflected inquiries regarding the death count to the military. The army acknowledged detainee deaths, attributing some to prior illnesses or combat injuries, and emphasized that allegations of misconduct are investigated and offenders punished.
Former guards at the Sde Teiman military prison in southern Israel revealed a grim environment where prisoners were subjected to beatings and harsh conditions, resulting in numerous deaths. The guards, under pressure from superiors to reduce fatalities, resorted to physical abuse. The installation of cameras was mentioned as a measure to curb misconduct.
PHRI documented 29 deaths at Sde Teiman during the conflict. While some accountability measures have been taken, lawyers representing prisoners argue that serious investigations into violence are scarce, perpetuating the issue. Recent events, including the resignation of Israel’s top military lawyer over a leaked abuse video and subsequent indictments of soldiers, underscore the ongoing challenges in addressing abuse within the Israeli prison system.
Medical neglect and abuse were cited as contributing factors to prisoner deaths, with reports indicating a pattern of physical mistreatment and inadequate care. Autopsy reports highlighted instances of injuries and excessive restraints, shedding light on the harsh conditions faced by detainees. The tragic case of Mohammad Husein Ali, who died in Israeli custody at the Kishon detention center, exemplifies the human toll of such circumstances.
