The horrific picture in Israeli prisons: Hunger and health problems persist

Medical negligence and mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners held in the Negev (Naqab) Prison in southern Israel continue. 

In a written statement issued by the Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, affiliated with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), attention was drawn to the health problems and mistreatment faced by Mohammed Ghanem, from the West Bank city of Tulkarm, who has been detained since August 31, 2023. Ghanem stated that he suffers from dizziness and fainting spells due to a neurological condition, and that he has been subjected to severe torture throughout his detention, losing 45 kilograms in weight.

HEALTH PROBLEMS EMERGE

Mohammed Sweiti, a detainee from Hebron, has been held in an Israeli prison since 2007. 

Sweiti stated that he contracted scabies about 4 months ago but did not receive treatment from the prison clinic. He also revealed that he was not provided with basic necessities such as winter clothing and blankets. Another detainee from Hebron, 35-year-old Rafat Salim, is struggling with high blood pressure, a blood allergy, and disc diseases in his back. 

Salim stated that he is not being treated at the prison clinic and has lost 25 kilograms due to malnutrition.

AHMED SUS'S HEALTH CONDITION IS SERIOUS 

Palestinian detainee Ahmed Sus has been in Negev Prison since August 29, 2023. Sus, who was arrested in Tulkarm, has difficulty putting weight on his left foot due to a herniated disc and says he requires surgical intervention. However, he cannot access the necessary treatment in prison. The Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs stated that Israel's policy of medical negligence and starvation toward Palestinian prisoners has intensified since October 7, 2023.

ISRAEL'S DETENTION PRACTICE CRITICIZED

Through the "administrative detention" practiced by Israel, Palestinians can be held for years without their charges being disclosed or being brought before a court. According to the Palestinian Prisoners' Society, there are currently 3,380 Palestinians in Israeli prisons under "administrative detention." These detainees include women and children. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli security forces have detained more than 11,600 Palestinians as part of the detention and arrest campaigns they have launched.

While it is reported that pressure in Israeli prisons has increased and methods of torture and mistreatment have become more widespread, the statement by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that "Palestinian prisoners should be shot in the head and killed" has been met with great reaction from the international public.

News Source: AA