Al-Zaghari's Revelations on the Deteriorating Conditions of Palestinian Prisoners
In a stark interview with Al Jazeera, Abdullah Al-Zaghari, the head of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, detailed the brutal reality facing Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails following the escalation of violence after October 7, 2023. He emphasized that the situation has reached unprecedented levels of brutality, with hundreds of executions, torture, and severe deprivation of basic human rights reported. Al-Zaghari stated that the number of martyrs among prisoners is the highest since 1967, with many from the Gaza Strip suffering extreme conditions.
Al-Zaghari recounted his own experiences in Israeli prisons during the first Intifada, noting that while conditions were harsh, they pale in comparison to the current systematic torture and inhumane treatment that prisoners endure today. He highlighted the impact of Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's policies, which have exacerbated the suffering of detainees, leading to overcrowded conditions and severe malnutrition.
The Impact of Israeli Policies on Prisoners
The interview revealed that since Ben Gvir's appointment, prisons have transformed into places of despair, with prisoners facing physical assaults, sexual harassment, and a lack of medical care. Al-Zaghari noted that over 10,800 arrests have occurred since the conflict escalated, with thousands more from Gaza subjected to torture and violations of their rights. The systematic oppression includes the detention of over a thousand children and hundreds of women, who face unique challenges and abuses.
Moreover, Al-Zaghari pointed out the ongoing issue of the Israeli occupation detaining the bodies of deceased prisoners, with many families left in the dark about the fate of their loved ones. The situation remains dire, as the Israeli government continues to implement policies that disregard international humanitarian laws, leaving many prisoners with little hope for justice or freedom.
