The Palestinian Commission for Prisoners’ Affairs has reported that Israeli authorities and its prison administration are tightening their grip on detainees in the Negev prison, making their lives an “unbearable hell”.
In a statement, the Commission said that “the Israeli occupation’s oppressive measures against the prisoners in the Negev Desert Prison make life more miserable, cruel and anxious in light of the strict security measures imposed on the prisoners after October 7”.
“The prison administration has deliberately cut off electricity and water for varying periods. It has also isolated the prisoners from the outside world, removed food supplies, and reduced meals, in addition to closing the cantina (a shop for purchasing necessities),” the statement continued.
“In addition, it has deprived sick detainees of being transferred to clinics or to civilian hospitals. It has also prevented prisoners from going out to the yard and stopped family visits.”
More than 6,000 Palestinians, including children and women, have been arrested by Israel since October 7, bringing the number of prisoners inside Israeli jails to about 9,000 Palestinians.