Gaza Prisoners Experience Violence, Starvation During in Israeli’s Detention

JAKARTA - Palestinian prisoners from Gaza who were released Thursday by Israeli authorities said they were subjected to severe torture and ill-treatment while in detention.

The testimonies, given at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, detailed the brutal conditions faced by those held in Israeli prisons after being detained from Gaza.

The prisoners reported being subjected to various inhumane treatments including beatings, starvation, electric shocks, and dog attacks.

The testimonies came after the release of 64 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza, who had been held since the start of the ongoing Israeli offensive in the region on October 7, 2023.

In addition, two women from Gaza were released. They had been detained while accompanying patients receiving treatment in Israel.

Ahmed Ahmed, who was detained for 46 days and transferred between Ofer, Negev, and other prisons in occupied Jerusalem, described his ordeal.

"We were blindfolded and subjected to brutal torture, including beatings and starvation. Israeli forces forced us to squat, blindfolded, preventing any movement or conversation," he explained, as reported by WAFA on August 2.

Testimony was also given by Ibrahim Salem, who was arrested on December 11 from Kamal Adwan Hospital.

"I was tortured and starved while my wife and children were in intensive care. I was transferred from one prison to another, deprived of sleep, and subjected to various forms of torture. They even forced me to wear a military uniform and tried to lower me into a hole," he said.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Jaber from northern Gaza said he lost his toenails and lost 40 kilograms.

"I was arrested on November 17 at a checkpoint, blindfolded and shackled, and subjected to severe beatings for eight days while naked. I suffered injuries, lost my toenails, and received no medical treatment. I lost 40 kilograms and suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure without proper treatment," he said bitterly.

It is known that over the past few months, Israel has gradually released several prisoners from Gaza. Many of them have experienced significant health declines due to poor conditions.