Qadura Fares, head of the Palestinian Prisoner Society, spoke out against the alleged abuses faced by Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails during a press conference in Ramallah on December 20, 2023. He accused Israel of conducting a punitive “war of revenge” against prisoners since the beginning of the Gaza conflict.
Reports of mistreatment, including claims of torture, sexual abuse, and inhumane treatment, have surfaced, with specific incidents cited by the authority’s lawyer, Khaled Mahajna. However, Israeli authorities have denied these allegations, stating that they adhere to international law.
Five Israeli human rights organizations are advocating for the closure of the controversial Sde Teiman detention camp, citing severe violations of detainees’ rights. The government has been given three days to respond to the court petition demanding its closure.
With approximately 9,600 Palestinians currently held in Israeli prisons, tensions continue to rise amidst accusations of misconduct and abuse within the detention facilities. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has resulted in a significant loss of life on both sides.
As the debate over detainee rights and treatment intensifies, the future of Sde Teiman and the welfare of Palestinian prisoners remain at the forefront of the socio-political discourse in the region.