Palestinian prisoners' day: 16,400 arrests, 64 martyrs since Oct. 7 in 'Israeli' prisons

On Palestinian Prisoners’ Day 2025 'Israeli' Occupation continues to commit crimes against Palestinian prisoners in its jails.

Since October 7, 2023, there have been 16,400 recorded arrests, with over 9,900 still detained. Among them are 29 women and 400 children, further illustrating the occupation’s policy of targeting all sectors of the Palestinian population, including minors and women.

This day, for the second consecutive year, coincides with ongoing genocide, as the occupation maintains its brutal treatment of detainees in the face of global silence.

This indifference has contributed to the rise in organized crimes against detainees, resulting in the martyrdom of at least 64 detainees, whose names have been disclosed.

The 'Israeli' authorities continue to conceal the identities of many martyrs and hold their bodies in detention, reflecting the ongoing policy of abuse against Palestinian detainees. Among the martyrs are 40 from Gaza, while the number of documented martyrs since 1967 is around 301.

What is Palestinian Prisoners’ Day?

Palestinian Prisoners’ Day is commemorated annually on April 17, a date recognized by the Palestinian National Council in 1974 to honor the freedom of prisoners and support their rights. This date was chosen because it marks the release of Mahmoud Bakr Hijazi, the first Palestinian prisoner to be exchanged between Palestinians and 'Israel'.

In March 2008, the 20th Arab Summit, held in Damascus, approved the adoption of this day in all Arab countries as a gesture of solidarity with Palestinian and Arab prisoners held by 'Israel'.

Inside prisons: Ongoing suffering

Conditions inside 'Israeli' prisons remain harsh, with human rights organizations and detainees’ groups reporting widespread abuse, including the denial of family visits, psychological and physical torture, and medical neglect, leaving sick prisoners without proper treatment.

The policy of solitary confinement has intensified since 2021, with approximately 35 Palestinian prisoners now held in isolation, including those suffering from chronic illnesses. Furthermore, the 'Israeli' authorities continue to ban family visits for some prisoners, particularly those from Gaza, adding to their suffering.

Sick detainees: Humanitarian crisis

Over 700 detainees suffer from various diseases, including at least 24 who are battling cancer and require urgent medical care. However, the 'Israeli' authorities persist in ignoring their health needs, putting their lives in grave danger.

Total number of martyr detainees

Since 1967, around 301 Palestinian detainees have died in 'Israeli' prisons, with this number continuing to rise due to ongoing abuse and medical neglect. The situation inside the prisons remains dire, and the suffering of the detainees grows every day.

On Palestinian Prisoners’ Day, global and Arab calls for urgent action to save Palestinian detainees from their harsh and unjust detention conditions continue to grow. However, despite widespread calls for intervention, 'Israel’s' ongoing crimes against humanity continue with impunity, exacerbating the suffering of detainees and their families across Palestine.