86 Palestinian detainees die in ‘Israeli’ prisons since October 2023: Report

• 86 Palestinian detainees from Gaza have died in ‘Israeli’ prisons since October 2023.
• Torture, medical neglect, and enforced disappearance were the main causes of death, according to a new fact sheet.

A new fact sheet released by the Palestinian detainees media office (ASRA Media Office) on Saturday documents the deaths of 86 detainees from Gaza in ‘Israeli’ custody between October 2023 and December 2025.

Titled “Martyrs of the Shackles: Detainees Deaths in Israeli Prisons (October 2023–December 2025)”, the report details what it describes as one of the deadliest periods. It highlights systematic abuses, including torture, deliberate medical neglect, and enforced disappearances.

Read more: Palestinian detainees face record crackdown in 'Israeli' prisons during 2025

Causes of death

The report indicates that torture and poor treatment were leading contributors to fatalities, often accompanied by denial of necessary medical care, including for those with chronic or serious illnesses.

At least 22 detainees reportedly experienced enforced disappearance either during detention or before the announcement of their deaths. Additional deaths occurred inside central prisons and hospitals while detainees were still under custody, underscoring the hazardous conditions of the detention system.

detainees profile

The fact sheet notes that the deceased include civilians, workers, former prisoners, doctors, medics, minors, the elderly, and some who were injured or used as “human shields” at the time of arrest.

Read more: Sick detainees suffer ignored medical crises in 'Israel' prisons

Call for international accountability

The ASRA Media Office called for independent international investigations, an end to torture and enforced disappearance, and accountability for those responsible. The office emphasized the need for unrestricted access for international institutions to all detention facilities holding Palestinian detainees.

The report frames the documented practices as systematic and potentially amounting to war crimes, urging immediate international scrutiny.