Released Palestinian prisoner describes torture, neglect in Israeli jails

By Qais Abo Samra

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - A former Palestinian prisoner said the detainees in Israeli jails suffer from medical neglect, torture, and abuse, and are treated as war prisoners.

Nour Al-Qadi, 31, from Al-Bireh city in the West Bank, was released from Israeli prisons on Wednesday, told Anadolu about the scenes of torture experienced by prisoners since Oct. 7 in the Negev Prison in the south.

"I served one year in the prison. At the beginning of the war, we were beaten and abused, and the majority of the prisoners sustained fractures," he told Anadolu.

"The electricity was cut off around the clock and water is provided for only one hour," he added.

He added: "In each room, 12 prisoners sleep on the floor without any belongings, as everything is confiscated. I remained in the same clothes for 100 days."

Al-Qadi reported fractures in three ribs due to brutal beatings, while no medical treatment was provided to him and was also denied painkillers.

"Torture has decreased in recent days. However, prisoners still face humiliation, abuse, and are prevented from receiving visits. They are also denied personal belongings, medicine, and food," he said.

Al-Qadi further explained that despite his heart disease for the past 10 years, his medication was withdrawn from him. Only 25 days ago, he was given half of the required dosage.

The Israeli army has detained 6,420 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank since Oct. 7, according to prisoners’ affairs groups.

Tensions have been high across the West Bank since Israel launched a deadly military offensive against the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas in which Israel says 1,200 Israelis were killed.

At least 27,000 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 66,000 others injured, according to Palestinian health authorities.

​​​​​​​* Writing by Mohammad Sio.