Ramallah:Approximately 80% of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons are reportedly suffering from scabies, a situation exacerbated by worsening health conditions, severe overcrowding, inadequate medical treatment, and escalating abuse, as reported by the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society (PPS).
According to Palestine Info Center, the PPS has documented widespread complaints of skin infections, repeated prison raids, physical assaults, and medical neglect based on legal visits to dozens of Palestinian prisoners during October and early November 2026.
The PPS claims the spread of scabies, a highly contagious skin infestation, is aggravated by shortages of clean clothing, poor hygiene, overcrowding, and inadequate treatment. The organization has accused Israeli prison authorities of failing to provide effective medical care or address these conditions.
The report highlights severe hygiene and medical shortages, noting that numerous shower facilities at the Negev Prison have stopped functioning, further limiting prisoners' ability to maintain basic hygiene. This has contributed to deteriorating living conditions, with women prisoners reporting persistent itching and sleep deprivation.
Prison raids by special units of the Israeli Prison Service have reportedly left detainees injured, involving beatings, police dogs, tear gas, and rubber-coated bullets. The PPS has documented injuries such as broken teeth, fractured ribs, and bruises from these raids.
The organization describes harsh daily living conditions inside Israeli prisons, including overcrowding and the confiscation of mattresses, forcing detainees to sit on bare floors or metal beds. These conditions are particularly dangerous for older detainees and prisoners with chronic illnesses.
The PPS has called for urgent international intervention, urging human rights organizations and legal bodies to investigate the reported violations and hold those responsible accountable. They warn that without urgent improvements, the health of thousands of Palestinian prisoners could deteriorate further.