SAFA- The Palestinian Prisoner Society said the conditions of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons have “deteriorated sharply” since the start of Israel’s genocidal war, describing the prison system as a “tool of systematic mistreatment and violations” against Palestinian prisoners.

The organization stated in a report covering the first half of 2026 that detention practices have evolved beyond incarceration and are now part of a larger framework that has an impact on detainees' social, psychological, and physical well-being. 

The report cites testimonies including torture, deprivation of food, limited medical care, prolonged solitary confinement, and other forms of mistreatment.

"The Israeli occupation forces have intensified their arrest campaigns and increased their use of administrative detention, which allows for the incarceration of Palestinians without charge," the society notes. 

It also stated that civilians have been detained under policies of collective punishment. The organization confirms these measures reflect a broader pattern rather than isolated incidents.

Accounts gathered from legal teams and released detainees point to worsening prison conditions, including reports of deaths in custody, the spread of illness, and declining physical and mental health among prisoners.

 The Society noted that the figures it provided may represent only a partial picture, citing restricted access to detainees by international organizations and human rights monitors.

Particular concern was raised over detainees from Gaza, many of whom are reportedly being held without communication with the outside world. 

The organization said this has limited independent verification of conditions and contributed to uncertainty surrounding the number and status of those detained.

The report describes the period following October 2023 as a turning point, with an unprecedented escalation in detention practices compared to previous years. 

It attributes these developments to a combination of administrative and legal measures that, in its view, have reinforced the role of detention as a tool of control.

The Palestinian Prisoner Society reported that more than 100 detainees have died in custody since the start of the war, with most identified, while the fate of others remains unclear. 

It also stated that the bodies of several deceased detainees are being withheld.

The International Committee of the Red Cross and other organizations have reportedly faced limitations in accessing detainees, further constraining oversight.

The group called for increased international attention and independent investigation into prison conditions, warning that the situation continues to have serious humanitarian and legal implications.