"No Clothes, No Blankets, and Some Killed" – A Specialist Reveals the Suffering of Palestinian Detainees in Winter

With the arrival of winter and its harsh cold, Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons face severe suffering, compounded by Israel's cruel measures. The situation is worse than in previous years, with Israel depriving prisoners of basic necessities such as blankets and clothes.

Riyad Al-Ashqar, a specialist in detainees' affairs, stated that prisoners are denied visits, their personal belongings—including clothes and blankets—are confiscated, and the prison 'canteen' is closed. As a result, they have not received winter clothing or blankets for over 14 months, and Israel prevents international organizations from providing them with any aid."

The conditions are especially dire in prisons like Negev, Rimon, and Nafha, where temperatures plummet and some sections remain tents that do not protect prisoners from the cold. These conditions leave prisoners vulnerable to diseases, including scabies, as they are forced to reuse the same clothes and blankets for long periods. Many prisoners are also not given proper medical care.

Gaza detainees, in particular, suffer even more during the winter, as they are arrested in light clothing and thrown into prison sections that lack basic necessities. They are often given dirty blankets and poor quality food, leaving them hungry or sick. Israeli forces also subject them to further torture by forcing them to sit in the cold, tied up in wet conditions for hours. Many detainees are denied blankets, mattresses, and adequate food, leaving them exposed to further physical harm.

Al-Ashqar emphasized that the Israeli occupation continues to mistreat detainees, especially those from Gaza, through enforced disappearances and complete isolation. Since the outbreak of the war in October 2023, over 8,500 individuals from Gaza have been detained, with many subjected to brutal interrogations and harsh conditions, leading to the deaths of several detainees. Despite the grave conditions, over 2,000 detainees remain in prisons, continuing to endure severe mistreatment.

Source : Safa News