At least 94 Palestinian prisoners and detainees have died in Israeli custody in less than two years, according to a recent report by Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI), which claims a practice of 'systematic killings and cover-ups'. This report covers the period from 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched its attack on Israel, to 31 August 2025, during which it alleges fewer than 30 deaths occurred in the ten years prior.
The Israel Prison Service (IPS) has maintained that it operates legally and under proper oversight, refusing to comment on external figures or allegations. They claim all inmates are held under legal procedures and provided necessary rights, including medical care and hygiene. However, since the conflict began in late 2023, reports suggest thousands of Palestinians have been detained without charge.
PHRI argues the circumstances surrounding these deaths indicate a worrying pattern of human rights violations against Palestinians classified as 'security prisoners'. The group asserts these practices have intensified following the onset of war. It also notes a significant obstruction in communication about detainee welfare, as information previously shared with the Red Cross has ceased.
The report cites 52 deaths in military prisons and 42 in civilian jails, attributing these incidents to physical violence and medical neglect. The alarming conditions in Israeli detention facilities have been linked to the policies under Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's national security minister, suggesting that prisons have become sites of torture and abuse.
The investigation uncovering 29 deaths at the Sde Teiman military prison raises further scrutiny, especially after allegations that guards severely abused a detainee in 2024. This case reflects broader concerns about the treatment of Palestinian prisoners and the lack of accountability for abusive practices.
PHRI claims various human rights violations have made it nearly impossible to ascertain the complete extent of Israel's prison policies or the treatment of numerous detainees. The group estimates the number of deaths could be higher than what has been documented, as families are often not informed of a detainee's death or have been denied access to post-mortem examinations.
The IPS emphasized that each death is subject to an examination in accordance with established procedures and maintains that its practices adhere to both Israeli and international laws.
The Israel Prison Service (IPS) has maintained that it operates legally and under proper oversight, refusing to comment on external figures or allegations. They claim all inmates are held under legal procedures and provided necessary rights, including medical care and hygiene. However, since the conflict began in late 2023, reports suggest thousands of Palestinians have been detained without charge.
PHRI argues the circumstances surrounding these deaths indicate a worrying pattern of human rights violations against Palestinians classified as 'security prisoners'. The group asserts these practices have intensified following the onset of war. It also notes a significant obstruction in communication about detainee welfare, as information previously shared with the Red Cross has ceased.
The report cites 52 deaths in military prisons and 42 in civilian jails, attributing these incidents to physical violence and medical neglect. The alarming conditions in Israeli detention facilities have been linked to the policies under Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's national security minister, suggesting that prisons have become sites of torture and abuse.
The investigation uncovering 29 deaths at the Sde Teiman military prison raises further scrutiny, especially after allegations that guards severely abused a detainee in 2024. This case reflects broader concerns about the treatment of Palestinian prisoners and the lack of accountability for abusive practices.
PHRI claims various human rights violations have made it nearly impossible to ascertain the complete extent of Israel's prison policies or the treatment of numerous detainees. The group estimates the number of deaths could be higher than what has been documented, as families are often not informed of a detainee's death or have been denied access to post-mortem examinations.
The IPS emphasized that each death is subject to an examination in accordance with established procedures and maintains that its practices adhere to both Israeli and international laws.
