Urgent Questions Arise as 98+ Palestinians Die in Israeli Custody

The extent of fatalities within Israeli detention facilities has come under scrutiny with a recent report by Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI) detailing at least 98 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. PHRI’s rigorous research, combining official data with firsthand testimonies, points to a potentially higher actual death toll, particularly concerning individuals detained from Gaza whose status remains unconfirmed. The report identifies physical violence and neglect of medical needs as primary causes for these deaths. Within the Israel Prison Service, 46 Palestinians reportedly died, while the military held at least 52 Gazans who also passed away in custody. Obstacles to information sharing, including reduced communication with humanitarian organizations and restricted access to facilities, have further obscured the situation. The Israel Prison Service has contested the report’s findings, asserting that its practices comply with legal requirements and ensure the rights and well-being of all prisoners.