The Palestinian Prisoners Club reported that the Israeli Prison Service is allegedly using scabies as a method of torture against Palestinian detainees. This assertion comes amidst ongoing concerns over the health conditions of prisoners, which have deteriorated due to overcrowding, lack of sunlight, and inadequate access to medical care. Medical examinations have revealed that many detainees suffer from various health issues, including chronic conditions exacerbated by the prison environment.
A released prisoner described the conditions in Ramon Prison, stating that the administration referred to their section as 'zombie' due to the visible effects of scabies on the inmates. The statement highlighted that many released prisoners, including children, are returning home in poor health, suffering from the long-term impacts of neglect and abuse in prison.
The situation in Gaza has intensified, with reports indicating that over 11,300 Palestinians have been arrested since the onset of violence on October 7, 2023. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with recent figures indicating that approximately 756 Palestinians have been killed and around 6,250 injured. The humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by a lack of international intervention, despite calls from organizations like the UN and the International Court of Justice.
- The Palestinian Prisoners Club has actively raised awareness about the conditions faced by detainees, emphasizing the psychological and physical toll of imprisonment. Reports indicate that many children, like 15-year-old Iyad from Shuafat, are among those suffering from severe health issues due to the prison's neglect.
- The Israeli operations in Gaza and the West Bank have drawn widespread condemnation from various human rights organizations, which argue that the actions constitute violations of international law. The ongoing situation remains a focal point of international diplomatic discussions, with calls for accountability and humanitarian aid to address the crisis.