Palestinian Prisoner Dies in ‘israeli’ Custody, Raising Concerns Over ‘Slow Execution’ Practices
A 26-year-old Palestinian detainee has passed away while in Israeli custody, becoming the fourth Palestinian prisoner to die in recent days. This incident has intensified calls for international intervention.
Sakhr Ahmad Khalil Zaoul, held as an “administrative detainee” from Husan, west of Beit Lahm in the occupied West Bank, has reportedly died at the Israeli-operated Ofer prison, according to the Palestine Chronicle.
His passing was confirmed on Sunday by multiple Palestinian organizations, such as the Commission of Detainees’ Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society (PPS).
Zaoul has been kept in administrative detention since June 11. The authorities employ this self-termed practice to incarcerate individuals indefinitely without the presentation of evidence, formal charges, or trials.
According to statements from his family, he did not have any known chronic medical conditions. Meanwhile, his brother, Khalil Zaoul, continues to be held in Israeli detention centers.
The Prisoners’ Media Office has attributed Zaoul’s death to a deliberate policy of “slow execution” targeting Palestinian detainees.
In an official statement, the office reported that detainees are enduring severe detention conditions, characterized by the deprivation of essential needs, the use of torture, instances of starvation, lack of medical care, and extended physical and psychological mistreatment. These conditions have resulted in an increasing death toll within Israeli correctional facilities.
The office has placed full responsibility for Zaoul’s death on Israeli authorities and has demanded an independent international inquiry into alleged crimes occurring within the detention facilities.
The call was made for the urgent deployment of international monitoring teams to Israeli prisons and a revelation of the status of those who have been forcibly disappeared. Additionally, there was a demand for the return of deceased detainees’ bodies and for Israeli officials to be held accountable through international sanctions.
The passing occurred merely four days following the death of Abdel Rahman al-Sabateen, a 21-year-old detainee from the same area, who died on Monday night at the Shaare Tzedek medical center located in the occupied territories.
Palestinian prisoner institutions have reported that the recent fatalities mark the most lethal period in the history of the Palestinian Captives Movement, a national initiative advocating for prisoners’ rights.
The total number of confirmed Palestinian detainee deaths has risen to 323 since 1967, following the occupation of the West Bank during a war heavily supported by Western forces.
The Commission of Detainees’ Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) have reported an increase in the rate of deaths following Itamar Ben-Gvir’s appointment as the regime’s police minister. Known for his extremist views, Ben-Gvir’s tenure is being scrutinized in connection with this concerning trend.
Israeli sources have reportedly confirmed a rise in fatalities within Israeli prisons and detention facilities over the course of his tenure.
Two organizations have reported that Ben-Gvir has intensified punitive actions against Palestinian detainees and has supported legislation advocating the introduction of the death penalty.
Several human rights organizations, including those operating within the occupied territories, have reported extensive documentation of abuse, neglect, and systemic mistreatment within detention facilities.
The Commission and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society have reported that the conditions within Israeli prisons have surpassed both legal and humanitarian thresholds.
Reports indicate that since October 2023, following the initiation of a conflict deemed genocidal in nature within the Gaza Strip, Israeli detention facilities, judicial entities, and law enforcement agencies have been responsible for conducting operations that result in continuous physical and psychological distress.
Reports have emerged citing allegations of torture, starvation, lack of medical care, sexual violence, and the infringement of basic rights. Additionally, there is a noted spread of infectious diseases, including scabies, among those affected.
According to reports from prisoner advocacy organizations, over 9,300 Palestinians are being detained in Israeli prisons, supplemented by several hundred individuals held in military detention centers. This includes more than 50 women and approximately 350 minors.
