Gaza: Nearly two years into the Gaza genocide, severe crimes against Palestinian political detainees held in Israeli occupation prisons persist.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, those abducted from the occupied Gaza Strip are experiencing the worst levels of torture and abuse compared to other detainees.
The report, based on testimonies obtained under strict conditions by lawyers visiting detainees between late July and mid-August, highlights the dire situation in the underground 'Rakevet' section of Ramla Prison and the 'Sde Teiman' military camp, both notorious for systematic torture of Palestinians from occupied Gaza. Detainees at Ramla Prison appeared terrorized during their visits, with all having been threatened and beaten prior to meeting their lawyers. Guards attempted to force detainees to lie to their lawyers and tell them that conditions were 'excellent,' while lawyers were prohibited from sharing any information about detainees' families in Gaza or the ongoing genocide.
Key testimonies reveal ongoing practices of beatings, finger-breaking, and total isolation. Detainees are denied sunlight and allowed outside every other day for 20 minutes, handcuffed and forced to keep their heads down. Mattresses are provided only at night, forcing prisoners to sit on metal beds during the day. Detainees face humiliation, including being forced to curse their families and being subjected to constant threats and psychological terror. Many detainees show severe psychological distress, with fear overshadowing the entire lawyers' visit.
The interrogation period is particularly brutal, with detainees subjected to severe torture and grave violations. Detainee A.Y. describes being arrested in December 2023 and undergoing 'disco' interrogation and further harsh interrogations, leading to severe physical injuries. Detainee Y.D. recounts losing consciousness multiple times during violent interrogations, resulting in rib fractures and vision impairment. Detainee A.B. details being subjected to stress positions and severe beatings, leading to broken fingers and ongoing suffering.
Hunger and disease also dominate the testimonies. Detainees describe their situation as 'famine,' with extremely small food portions leading to severe weight loss and worsening health conditions. Diseases like scabies spread due to the lack of basic hygiene and medical care.
Since the start of the genocide, thousands of civilians from Gaza, including vulnerable groups, have been detained. In addition to torture, Israeli forces have committed severe acts such as rape and enforced disappearances. Despite some legal advancements allowing human rights organizations access to most prisons, severe abuses continue, resulting in the deaths of dozens of detainees in custody.
