Widespread Health Issues Among Palestinian Prisoners
A Jerusalemite lawyer, Firas Al-Jabrini, has highlighted alarming health conditions among Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, particularly the prevalence of scabies. This skin condition, which is highly contagious, has reportedly affected many inmates, including minors. Al-Jabrini, who works with the Wadi Hilweh Information Center, emphasized that the disease is rampant due to inadequate hygiene practices and lack of basic medical care. He noted that prisoners are often deprived of essential cleaning supplies and clothing, with some forced to wear the same attire they had on at the time of their arrest.
Human Rights Concerns and Arrest Statistics
The situation inside Israeli prisons raises serious human rights concerns. Al-Jabrini pointed out that the harsh conditions, compounded by the denial of personal care items, have led to a significant outbreak of diseases. He described witnessing prisoners with severe injuries, including one individual whose knee appeared dislocated. The lawyer also revealed that 90% of arrests in Jerusalem are linked to charges of incitement or support for groups labeled as terrorist organizations, often stemming from social media activity. This includes arrests for innocuous posts, such as sharing Quranic verses or wearing religious symbols.
Rising Arrests Since October 2023
Since the escalation of tensions on October 7, 2023, the number of arrests in Jerusalem has surged to 1,828, according to the Jerusalem Governorate. Al-Jabrini noted that the prison sentences for incitement-related charges can extend up to nine months, reflecting a troubling trend in the treatment of individuals expressing their beliefs or opinions online.
