The death toll of Palestinians in Israeli custody has risen to nearly 100 individuals since the onset of the Gaza conflict, as per a recent report released by a human rights organization on Monday. The report by Physicians for Human Rights – Israel (PHRI) highlights the prevalence of systemic violence and denial of medical treatment in prisons and detention centers, contributing to many of the documented deaths. PHRI’s findings align with The Associated Press’ investigations, which involved interviewing multiple sources, analyzing data, and reviewing autopsy reports.
PHRI’s report reveals that out of the 98 prisoner fatalities documented since the conflict erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, 27 occurred in 2023, 50 in 2024, and 21 this year, with the most recent death recorded on Nov. 2. The organization suspects that the actual death toll might be significantly higher due to Israel’s lack of transparency regarding hundreds of detained Palestinians during the conflict.
The report indicates a stark increase in prisoner deaths compared to the decade leading up to the conflict, with fewer than 30 deaths in Israeli custody. The prison population more than doubled to 11,000 individuals following the conflict, primarily comprising individuals from Gaza and the West Bank.
PHRI gathered data on the deaths through interviews with former detainees and medical staff, review of autopsy reports, and information obtained via freedom of information requests. Naji Abbas, a director at PHRI, expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of deaths in Israeli custody, stating that it reflects a system devoid of ethical and professional boundaries.
The Israeli Prison Service asserts that it operates within legal frameworks and refrained from commenting on the death toll, redirecting inquiries to the Israeli army. The army acknowledged detainee deaths, attributing some to pre-existing health conditions or combat-related injuries. Allegations of abuse or substandard conditions are reportedly investigated, with individuals found in violation of conduct facing repercussions, including potential criminal investigations.
A former prison guard at the Sde Teiman military prison in southern Israel disclosed troubling details, describing the facility as a “graveyard” due to the high mortality rate among prisoners. The guard, speaking anonymously, revealed instances of violence and neglect within the prison system, including the prolonged chaining of prisoners, beatings for minor infractions, and unsanitary conditions.
The guard recounted an incident where a motionless Palestinian detainee was discovered in the prison yard, met with little urgency from guards. Despite efforts to address the issue, including the installation of cameras, deaths at the facility continued. PHRI reported 29 deaths at Sde Teiman since the conflict began, with only sporadic convictions of abusers within the system.
Instances of medical neglect and abuse were also highlighted in the report, with autopsies revealing signs of physical assault and neglect in several cases. Families of deceased prisoners recounted their loved ones’ deteriorating health and mistreatment while in custody, raising concerns about the overall conditions within Israeli prisons.
The report sheds light on the ongoing human rights concerns within Israeli detention facilities, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency to prevent further tragedies.
