Why it matters:
Hamas has issued new, detailed allegations of systematic torture and killings of Palestinian detainees inside Israeli prisons, claims supported by reports from Israeli, Palestinian, and international human rights groups. These allegations come as Israel considers a draft law enabling the death penalty for Palestinians, and after the Israeli defense minister banned Red Cross visits to certain detention sites. Rights experts say the situation risks triggering further violence and a humanitarian crisis behind prison walls.
The big picture:
Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, human rights groups have documented a sharp escalation in abuses against Palestinian detainees. A joint submission to the UN Committee Against Torture describes severe torture, including beatings, scalding with boiling water, dog attacks, sexual violence, sleep and food deprivation, and denial of medical care.
More than 10,000 Palestinians, including women and children, are currently held in Israeli prisons. Israel denies systematic violations, but rights groups say extensive testimonies contradict that claim.
The broader conflict has exacted a devastating toll: according to Palestinian and international organizations, Israeli military operations have killed nearly 70,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, and injured around 171,000 others, leaving much of the enclave in ruins.
What they’re saying:
Hamas has accused Israel of turning prisons into “direct killing grounds” intended to eliminate Palestinians. It says the abuses constitute “full-fledged war crimes” and urges the UN, Red Cross, and global human rights bodies to intervene immediately.
The movement highlights testimonies documenting torture such as severe beatings, boiling-water scalding, dog attacks, and sexual violence, calling the situation a “systematic, organized criminal approach.”
Human rights organizations—including Israeli groups—confirm widespread mistreatment, noting at least 94 deaths in custody since October 2023 and urging urgent international intervention.
Israel rejects claims of systematic violations, though critics argue its denial is undermined by extensive documentation submitted to international bodies.
Go deeper:
Hamas Condemns Israeli Death Penalty Bill for Palestinian Prisoners as “Fascist”
Hamas Demands Global Action Over Abuse of Palestinian Abductees
F.abedi - ahmad shirzadian
