RAMALLAH, Occupied Palestine – Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons are facing increasingly dire and deteriorating conditions, according to the Palestinian Authority’s Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs. The Commission issued a statement Wednesday highlighting the severity of the situation, describing it as a humanitarian crisis unfolding within the walls of the detention facilities.
The report details accounts of systematic mistreatment and neglect, pushing conditions to what the Commission describes as potentially lethal levels. These alleged abuses include, but are not limited to, overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and the denial of basic rights guaranteed under international law.
“The situation is catastrophic,” a spokesperson for the Commission stated. “Our people are suffering immensely. The international community must intervene immediately to ensure the safety and well-being of Palestinian prisoners.”
The Commission emphasizes that the treatment of Palestinian detainees constitutes a blatant violation of international laws and conventions, specifically citing the Geneva Conventions and other human rights treaties. They are calling for international organizations, including the United Nations and human rights groups, to conduct independent investigations into the alleged abuses and to hold those responsible accountable.
The issue of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails remains a highly sensitive and contentious one. Palestinian officials and human rights organizations have long accused Israel of mistreating prisoners, while Israeli authorities maintain that they adhere to international standards and that security concerns necessitate certain restrictions.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights of Palestinian detainees and vowed to continue raising awareness of their plight on the international stage. They urged the global community to exert pressure on Israel to improve prison conditions and to release all Palestinian prisoners held without due process.
