Conditions of Palestinian Prisoners in Israel's Janot Prison Worsen

The arrest of Palestinian militias by Israel in Gaza. (Source: Israel Defense Forces)

JAKARTA - The Commission on Prisoners and Former Prisoners said on Tuesday that the living and humanitarian conditions for Palestinian prisoners from the Gaza Strip in the Janot prison continued to deteriorate drastically amid ongoing punitive measures, restrictions, and deprivation of basic needs, conditions that should be guaranteed by international laws and conventions.

In a report released on Tuesday, the commission said that after visiting a number of prisoners and listening to their testimonies, it was found that the prison only allowed the use of a washing machine once every 12 to 14 days.

Underwear and outer clothing are also often not changed, which further aggravates the suffering of the prisoners, the commission said, as quoted by WAFA (12/8).

Furthermore, the commission said, the prisoners were constantly beaten and oppressed, while adequate health services and basic personal needs were not provided.

The report also mentioned severe overcrowding problems; some rooms accommodate 12 prisoners but only have 10 beds, forcing two prisoners to sleep on the floor.

According to the report, the prison also continues to implement punitive measures, including forcing prisoners to sleep on their stomachs and taking their mattresses after counting the number of prisoners in the morning to the count at night.

The commission added that prison blocks lacked basic necessities, including razors and nail clippers, which had to be used by prisoners in rotation.

The Commission on Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners again urged international and humanitarian institutions - especially the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) - to carry out their legal and humanitarian responsibilities and take immediate action to stop the ongoing violations against Palestinian prisoners and guarantee the basic rights they should have under international law and conventions.