Report: Released Palestinian detainees show alarming physical decline

A recent report by the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor detailed that the release of Palestinian political prisoners and detainees by Israeli Occupation authorities, as part of ceasefire agreements in the Gaza Strip, has unveiled troubling revelations about the harsh conditions they faced while in custody. 

Israeli Occupation officials released the detainees in four batches, with the final group released today. The majority were found to be in alarming physical condition, having lost several kilograms of weight, which appears to be a result of intentional starvation. Many of the former inmates required immediate medical attention upon release, highlighting the urgent need for critical examinations. One individual reportedly struggled to comprehend his future after receiving inadequate treatment while detained.

This situation underscores allegations that Israeli Occupation jails have effectively become institutionalized centers for torture against Palestinian detainees, including those imprisoned before Oct. 7, 2023. Reports indicate that psychological torment, alongside physical abuse, persisted until the final moments before their release.

The Euro-Med field team documented several disturbing practices employed by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF). Detainees were forced to wear prison uniforms, subjected to beatings, and had their heads shaved—a move viewed as a calculated attempt to degrade their morale. Released detainees also reported being met with violence upon return to their homes, where celebrations of their release were interrupted by IOF using tear gas and live ammunition.

Testimonies gathered by Euro-Med revealed a pattern of systematic retaliation against Palestinian prisoners. Many detainees experienced severe torture, intentional deprivation of food, and prolonged solitary confinement, all part of punitive measures that intensified following the recent escalation in Gaza. The situation in prisons has reportedly deteriorated significantly since Oct. 7, 2023.

Former detainees recounted harrowing experiences, including being taunted and physically abused while being transported in buses with their hands bound.

"They played with our nerves," said Wael Al-Natsheh, who has been imprisoned since 2000. He described the disorienting experience of being taken back to prison for three hours after being told they would be released, exacerbating their anxiety.

Haitham Jaber, another former prisoner, shared that those in custody were humiliated by being forced to stand in a line and, at times, walk on all fours.

He stated, "The inmates endure extremely harsh living conditions, and the most extreme forms of torture, abuse, and degrading treatment were performed against us until the very end."

Moreover, a minor released from a northern West Bank prison reported widespread suffering among detainees, particularly from malnourishment and physical abuse. He was coerced into signing a pledge not to speak about his experiences to avoid re-arrest.

Euro-Med emphasized that such practices represent severe violations of human rights and international law. They illustrate a pattern of abuse, humiliation, and systematic torture faced by Palestinian detainees, both during their incarceration and after their release. These conditions have led to significant psychological trauma, further complicating their recovery and reintegration into society.