Tel Aviv, Web Desk — A leading human rights organization has accused Israeli authorities of deliberately maintaining harsh conditions in prisons for Palestinian detainees, including insufficient food provision, describing it as a “hunger policy.”
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) claimed that many Palestinian prisoners suffer from severe malnutrition and health deterioration. The allegations come months after Israel’s Supreme Court ordered prison officials to improve conditions for inmates.
According to a Reuters report, numerous released Palestinian prisoners appeared extremely weak and ill after their incarceration. Samer Khaweriya, 45, from Nablus, stated that during his nine-month detention in Megiddo and Nafha prisons, he received only thin slices of bread, small portions of hummus and tahini daily, and tuna twice a week. He said he lost 22 kilograms during his confinement.
Between December and January, 27 prisoners across 13 formal complaints reported inadequate food and lack of improvement despite the court’s directive. ACRI called on the Supreme Court to grant the Red Cross access to Palestinian inmates and initiate contempt proceedings against prison officials.
Israeli authorities, however, maintain that the prison system operates in accordance with the law. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has placed prison administration under Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has previously advocated for reducing inmate privileges.
The report highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of prisoners amid wider humanitarian challenges. Food shortages remain critical in Gaza as well, where UN agencies report that restrictions and blockades have left millions at risk of malnutrition.
Analysts warn that these allegations could escalate international scrutiny of Israel’s human rights record, particularly regarding the treatment of Palestinian prisoners and access to basic necessities in detention facilities.
The issue underscores broader tensions over human rights and humanitarian conditions in the region, reinforcing calls from international observers for oversight and accountability.
