On Mother’s Day, dozens of Palestinian women remain in Israeli prisons, including 39 mothers whose absence is felt most sharply within their families. Their detention comes amid the ongoing genocidal war that has reshaped daily life, leaving many households fractured and children growing up without maternal presence.

Most of these women are held without formal charges under administrative detention, a measure widely criticised by rights advocates. Reports indicate that many face severe conditions, including prolonged isolation, lack of adequate medical care, and restrictions on basic necessities. Access to legal recourse remains limited, while family visits have largely been suspended, further deepening their isolation.

The detained women reflect a broad cross-section of society, from educators and journalists to healthcare professionals and academics. Many are also relatives of prisoners or individuals killed during the ongoing violence, illustrating how detention policies intersect with wider patterns of hardship affecting Palestinian communities.

Since October 2023, arrests of women, including mothers, have increased significantly, with some later released and others continuing to be held for extended periods. Those still imprisoned remain cut off from their children, particularly during moments such as Mother’s Day, when separation is most acutely felt.

Beyond the prison walls, countless Palestinian mothers are navigating loss, displacement and uncertainty. For many, the day is marked not by celebration but by remembrance or waiting, underscoring both the scale of the humanitarian crisis and the enduring resilience of those living through it.