The count of Palestinian fatalities within Israeli confinement has risen to nearly 100 individuals since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza, as disclosed in a report issued on Monday by a human rights organization. The report by Physicians for Human Rights – Israel (PHRI) highlighted the prevalence of systematic violence and the denial of medical attention in prisons and detention centers, which were identified as contributing factors to a significant number of the documented deaths.
According to PHRI, the analysis of the 98 prisoner fatalities since the outbreak of the conflict on Oct. 7, 2023, indicated that 27 occurred in 2023, 50 in 2024, and 21 in the current year, with the most recent recorded on Nov. 2. The organization further asserted that the actual death toll is likely much higher due to the lack of transparency from Israeli authorities regarding hundreds of detained Palestinians throughout the conflict period.
The report also highlighted a notable surge in prisoner deaths post-conflict compared to the preceding decade, where less than 30 Palestinian deaths were recorded in Israeli custody. PHRI emphasized that the prison population doubled to 11,000 individuals during the conflict, primarily comprising individuals from Gaza and the West Bank, with a corresponding accelerated rise in prisoner fatalities during this period.
PHRI’s findings were based on interviews with former detainees and prison medical personnel, examination of autopsy reports by doctors commissioned by the families of deceased prisoners, and verification of numerous fatalities through freedom of information requests. PHRI Director Naji Abbas expressed grave concern over the high mortality rate in Israeli custody, describing it as indicative of a system devoid of ethical and professional boundaries.
Israeli’s Prison Service maintained its adherence to legal protocols while declining to comment on the death toll, redirecting inquiries to the Israeli army. The army acknowledged detainee fatalities, attributing some to pre-existing illnesses or combat-related injuries. It also assured that allegations of mistreatment or substandard conditions are thoroughly investigated, with violators facing disciplinary measures and potential criminal probes.
An ex-prison guard from the Sde Teiman military prison in southern Israel described the facility as a “graveyard” due to the frequent prisoner deaths. The guard, who spoke anonymously, revealed instances of physical abuse and neglect within the prison, recounting incidents of restrained prisoners being subjected to beatings and deplorable living conditions. The introduction of surveillance cameras was cited as a measure that helped mitigate the abuse within the prison.
PHRI reported 29 deaths at Sde Teiman since the conflict began, emphasizing the need for enhanced accountability and investigations into alleged abuses. The conviction of an Israeli soldier for mistreating Palestinian detainees at Sde Teiman was highlighted as a step towards addressing such misconduct, although concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of investigations into violence against prisoners.
The prevalence of medical neglect and abuse within Israeli prisons was underscored, with reports revealing patterns of physical violence and inadequate medical care. Specific cases, such as the death of Mohammad Husein Ali in Kishon detention center, highlighted instances of potential assault and excessive restraint, leading to fatal outcomes. Family members of victims recounted harrowing experiences, shedding light on the human toll of the conflict on Palestinian detainees.