Rising Death Toll Among Palestinian Detainees in Israeli Custody

Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, at least 98 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody, according to data from the Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI). The deaths have occurred at an unprecedented rate, averaging one every four days, with 27 deaths recorded in 2023, 50 in 2024, and 21 in 2025. The total number of detainees has surged to over 11,000, primarily from Gaza and the West Bank, exacerbating the situation.

Reports from former guards, medical staff, and detainees indicate systemic abuse and neglect within Israeli detention facilities. Naji Abbas, director of the prisoners and detainees department at PHRI, stated, “The alarming rate at which people are killed in Israeli custody reveals a system that has lost all moral and professional restraint.” Despite the high number of deaths, there has been minimal accountability; only one case of assault against a detainee has led to a conviction, resulting in a seven-month sentence.

Times of Israel

Testimonies reveal severe conditions, including prolonged restraints leading to injuries, malnutrition, and inadequate medical care. A former nurse at Sde Teiman prison reported that some prisoners required amputations due to injuries from chains used for restraint. Additionally, reports of physical abuse have emerged, with one detainee reportedly dying after repeated beatings. The Israeli military claims to conduct investigations into detainee deaths, yet rights groups argue that these investigations lack seriousness and transparency.

Times of Israel

Several high-profile cases have drawn attention to the issue, including that of Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan hospital, whose detention was initially denied by the military despite video evidence. The PHRI has highlighted a pattern of enforced disappearances, where families are left in the dark about the status of their loved ones. The Alfaqawi family had to petition Israel’s high court to confirm the deaths of Mounir Alfaqawi and his son Yassin, who had been detained without acknowledgment from the military.

The Israeli military maintains that it operates in accordance with both Israeli and international law, asserting that investigations are conducted for each detainee death. However, critics argue that the lack of accountability and transparency undermines these claims. The Israel Prison Service (IPS) has stated that it examines every death in custody and refers cases to the appropriate authorities, yet the systemic nature of the deaths raises concerns about the effectiveness of these measures.

Times of Israel

The ongoing situation has prompted calls for an independent international investigation into the deaths of Palestinians in Israeli custody. The PHRI emphasizes that the current figures likely represent only a fraction of the actual death toll, urging for accountability and justice for the victims' families. As the conflict continues, the safety and health of every Palestinian detainee remain at significant risk.