Jerusalem: Palestinian journalist Ali al-Samoudi, currently imprisoned in Israel, is reportedly experiencing critical health issues due to what is described as deliberate medical neglect by the prison authorities. The Palestinian Detainees and Ex-Detainees Authority has raised concerns over the conditions faced by al-Samoudi, who is detained in the Negev prison under harsh circumstances.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, the 60-year-old journalist from Jenin has not received medical treatment since his arrest. Al-Samoudi recounted that he endured brutal conditions during his initial detention in a military barracks in Jenin camp, where he was handcuffed, blindfolded, and deprived of food, water, and medication for eighty hours. Furthermore, he suffered physical abuse during his transfer to Megiddo prison, where his personal belongings, including his glasses, were confiscated.
Al-Samoudi is among 160 detainees in Section 15 of the Negev prison, where they face systemic starvation and are isolated from the outside world. His health has reportedly deteriorated, with symptoms including severe pain in the stomach, colon, head, and eyes, as well as urinary tract infections, loss of consciousness, and imbalance. The journalist has lost 40 kilograms and is unable to sleep due to his condition.
Reports from the Commission’s lawyer indicate that the detainees are subjected to ongoing attacks and are deprived of essential necessities such as water, food, medicine, sugar, and salt. Al-Samoudi claims his detention is politically motivated, linked to his role as a journalist for Al Jazeera and Al-Quds newspaper. He asserts that his arrest on May 9, 2025, was arbitrary and unlawful, especially since no charges related to his journalistic activities have been brought against him to avoid international backlash.
Al-Samoudi’s administrative detention has been extended for an additional four months for the second consecutive time, raising concerns about the conditions of his imprisonment and the ongoing treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli facilities.
