Israeli prison officials have been accused of concealing substantial reductions in food rations for Palestinian detainees held in Gaza, who have also reported horrific abuses, including allegations of rape and deadly torture. According to a report published Thursday, these detainees have been deliberately driven “to the point of starvation.”
Security sources disclosed to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz that the Israel Prison Service (IPS) has been intentionally cutting the caloric intake of Palestinian prisoners. This draconian measure has been confirmed by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Speaking candidly, Ben-Gvir described the policy as a “deterrent,” emphasizing his intention to provide detainees only the bare minimum of rights and sustenance.
“The Palestinian detainees will receive the minimum rights and the minimum food, and I will ensure that this policy is implemented,” said Ben-Gvir. The far-right leader of the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party made these remarks in response to a query from Israel’s Supreme Court.
“There is no starvation, but my policy does call for reducing conditions, including food and calories,” Ben-Gvir added, downplaying the severity of the situation.
The revelations from Haaretz have sparked significant controversy and condemnation. The targeted reduction in food rations constitutes a gross violation of human rights, intensifying the already dire conditions faced by Palestinian detainees. Many question the ethicality and legality of such actions under international law.
Human rights organizations have swiftly condemned the IPS’s actions. “This is a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions, which mandate humane treatment of prisoners,” said Rami Abdo, Director of the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor. “Deliberately starving detainees and subjecting them to inhumane treatment is unacceptable and must be immediately halted.”
The allegations go beyond mere nutritional deprivation. Detainees have reported severe physical and psychological abuse, with some accounts alleging rape and deadly torture. Such allegations, which have long been a point of concern for human rights activists, paint a grim picture of the conditions within Israeli prisons.
“I was subjected to horrendous torture and was deprived of food for days,” recounted Ahmed, a former detainee who preferred to withhold his full name. “The abuse was systematic. They aimed to break our spirits until we had no will to live.”
International Reaction
The international community has begun to take note, with various organizations calling for an independent investigation into the treatment of Palestinian detainees. United Nations human rights experts have urged Israel to adhere to international standards concerning the treatment of prisoners.
The European Union has also expressed concern. “The reports of deliberate starvation and abuse are deeply troubling. Israel must ensure that all detainees are treated with dignity and respect,” said an EU spokesperson.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for his hardline positions and incendiary rhetoric, has doubled down on this policy, framing it as a necessary measure for deterring anti-Israel activities. His statements reflect a broader trend among far-right political figures in Israel, who advocate for stricter measures against Palestinians under the guise of national security.
“Ben-Gvir’s comments are indicative of a broader strategy to dehumanize and demoralize Palestinians,” said Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, a Palestinian politician and scholar. “This policy of deliberate starvation and abuse not only violates international law but also betrays fundamental human decency.”
The impact of these measures extends beyond the detainees themselves, affecting their families and communities in Gaza. Wives, children, and parents of detainees live in constant fear and anxiety over the fate of their loved ones. The reports of starvation and abuse exacerbate their anguish, adding to the existing trauma of living in a conflict zone.
“I worry every day about my husband,” said Fatima, whose spouse has been detained for over a year. “The news of reduced food rations and abuse is unbearable. We feel helpless, knowing that he is suffering and there is nothing we can do to help.”
Prompted by these disturbing reports, activists and organizations have called for immediate action to address the plight of Palestinian detainees. Demonstrations and rallies are being organized to draw attention to the issue and to pressure international bodies to intervene.
“The international community must not remain silent,” urged Marwan Barghouti, a leading figure in the Palestinian political sphere. “We need a concerted effort to ensure that Israel adheres to international standards and stops the abuse and inhumane treatment of Palestinian prisoners.”
The revelation of reduced food rations for Palestinian detainees and the accompanying reports of abuse highlight a severe humanitarian crisis. As international pressure mounts, the need for transparency, accountability, and immediate reform becomes ever more critical.
The treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons is not just a political issue but a fundamental question of human rights and dignity. It is incumbent upon the global community to respond decisively, ensuring that justice and humane treatment prevail for all individuals, regardless of their political or national affiliations.
