DZWatch Exclusive: Hamas has issued a strong condemnation of the treatment of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention facilities. The statement follows reports detailing the severe deterioration of conditions within these facilities, particularly since October 7th.
According to Hamas, the reported findings constitute an official acknowledgement of grave violations against prisoners. These violations allegedly include systematic beatings, food deprivation, and deliberate overcrowding, leading to the deaths of several prisoners due to torture and medical negligence.
Hamas asserts that these reports, coupled with numerous international and United Nations accounts, underscore the unprecedented levels of cruelty inflicted upon prisoners. They further accuse Israeli authorities of blatant disregard for international laws prohibiting torture and inhumane treatment.
The organization is calling upon international human rights organizations, especially the International Committee of the Red Cross, to take immediate action. Hamas urges these bodies to investigate the extent of the alleged violations and hold Israeli leaders accountable for what they describe as clear crimes against humanity. They insist that these alleged crimes cannot be subject to any statute of limitations.
Hamas highlights the increasing number of prisoner deaths since the start of the conflict, stating that the number of prisoner and detainee fatalities has surpassed one hundred. The organization claims to have identified eighty-four of these individuals, including fifty detainees from Gaza. This brings the total number of documented prisoner deaths since 1967 to 321.
Furthermore, Hamas reports that over 9,250 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, the majority of whom are either awaiting trial or held under administrative detention orders. DZWatch continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available.
