Violence Toward Palestinians in Israeli Prisons During the "Iron Swords" War.

Abstract

This study examines the violence inflicted upon Palestinians in Israeli prisons during the initial phase of the "Iron Swords" war, which commenced following a Hamas attack on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023. It investigates how wartime circumstances can intensify the use of torture and ill-treatment within prisons, with a particular focus on the impact on detainees who were not implicated in activities connected to the attack. Utilizing the case files of Palestinian security prisoners who lodged complaints of mistreatment with Israeli NGOs, the study uses descriptive analysis to categorize and quantify diverse forms of reported violence that could potentially constitute torture. The study's findings reveal a concerning pattern: all 19 subjects reported experiencing violence from prison staff, with 18 of these cases involving physical violence. Multiple claims referenced more than one instance of violence, and eleven claims additionally reported violence against other detainees. The claims of violence spanned seven different prisons, underscoring the systemic nature of the issue. Reported methods of violence encompassed beatings, forced positioning in painful postures, threats, and humiliation, sometimes with sexual undertones, among other forms of abuse. Seven subjects had visible bruises and wounds, two suffered broken limbs, and one sustained a fractured tooth. These findings suggest a correlation between war, a decline in ethical standards, and the abuse of prisoners. By bringing these issues to light, the study advocates for evaluating prison practices and a commitment to upholding human rights standards, even during violent conflict and war.