ImpACT International for Human Rights Policies confirmed in a report that Israeli authorities are persistent in unlawfully detaining thousands of Palestinians in Israeli jails and restricts access to health care during the pandemic, leading to the deterioration of their mental and physical wellbeing.

"Since the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 1967, over 800,000 Palestinians have been detained by the Israeli forces, approximately 20% of the total population in Palestine. About 8,000 Palestinian children have been arrested by the Israeli forces since 2000," said Impact International.

"Palestinian detainees are held in dire conditions in Israeli jails, including torture, overcrowding, isolation, threats against their relatives, and, in certain cases, a ban on family visits," added the report.

Rasha Kaloti, Health Policies Researcher at ImpACT International, underscored that the diseases are widespread among Palestinian detainees, ranging from diarrhea and respiratory infections to anemia, heart disease, and kidney failure. Many kidney and intestinal problems a consequence of repeated hunger strikes.

Kaloti added that detainees are at a particularly increased risk of COVID-19 due to poor hygiene and overcrowded cells.

Despite the call by human rights organizations for the protection of detainees and prisoners during the pandemic, the conditions in Israeli jails continue to deteriorate. In addition, restrictions have been imposed on purchases from canteens, making it difficult for prisoners to purchase sanitary products and disinfectants. the Israeli Prison Service (IPS) officers conduct daily searches without wearing protective gloves or masks.

Additionally, in July, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that prisoners have no right to enforced physical distancing as a protective measure against COVID-19 infection.

"As an occupying power, Israel is bound by international law to ensure Palestinian detainees and prisoners receive the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health care. Nonetheless, the Israeli Prison Service restricts their access to health care," said Kaloti.

"Israeli forces must halt ill-treatment, torture, and physical and mental abuse; reduce over-crowding and improve hygiene; provide medication in a timely manner; and permit independent physicians’ visits. Palestinian detainees who are considered particularly at risk should be released to mitigate and protect against the spread of COVID-19".

Source : Safa