Number of Palestinians in Israeli prisons doubled in 1 year, exceeding 10,100: Prisoners’ group

By Muhammed Emin Canik

ISTANBUL (AA) - The number of Palestinians in Israeli prisons has doubled over the last year, exceeding 10,100, a prisoners' group said.

In a statement, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society said the total number of Palestinians detained in the occupied West Bank, including those who have been released, has surpassed 11,400 since Oct. 7, 2023.

The Israeli army has detained 430 women and 750 children in the West Bank since Oct. 7, 2023, and among those detained are 129 journalists, with 58 still in custody.

It also detained a total of 58 journalists, including six women and 29 men, from Gaza.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, an "administrative detention" order has been issued for 9,392 Palestinians, including women and children, ensuring that they are held in prison without any charges or trial; of these, 3,398 remain incarcerated.

The statement emphasized that the Israeli army committed serious violations and crimes such as severe beatings, threats against detainees and their families, destruction and demolition of Palestinian homes, and seizure of vehicles, money and valuables during the raids it conducted to detain Palestinians.

Significant damage has been done to the infrastructure in the areas where raids were conducted, with family members of detainees taken hostage and detained Palestinians being used as human shields.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, 41 identified individuals have died in Israeli prisons, and the bodies of 39 of them have not been returned.

The total number of Palestinians whose bodies have been withheld in Israeli prisons is recorded at 50.

As of October 2024, the number of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons is reported to have exceeded 10,100, including 3,398 who are under administrative detention.

There are 1,618 individuals detained in Gaza, whom Israel has labeled "illegal combatants," although this figure does not encompass all Gazans in custody.

The statement drew attention to the existence of Gazans detained in Gaza by the Israeli army and then held in military camps.

Among the 94 identified female prisoners in Israeli prisons, three are from Gaza and are held in Israel's Damun Prison.

The number of Palestinian women detained under administrative detention is reported to be 29, furthermore, more than 270 Palestinian children are currently imprisoned.

The statement also includes information indicating that prior to Oct.7, 2023, there were 5,250 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, including 40 women, 170 children, and 1,320 classified as "administrative detainees."

Through its practice of "administrative detention," Israel can hold Palestinians without charges or trial for periods ranging from one month to six months.

Military courts can extend the detention period for up to five years by declaring that the detainee poses a "threat to Israeli security," without specifying the charges against them.

*Writing by Muhammed Enes Calli