Palestinian detainee dies in Israeli prison, rights groups decry conditions

A Palestinian man has died while in Israeli detention, marking another fatality that has drawn attention to the conditions faced by thousands of Palestinian prisoners. Hassan Issa al-Qasha’leh, a resident of Rahat in the Negev region, died on Thursday inside Beersheba Prison in southern Israel, as reported by the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.

A Detainee Nearing His Release Date

According to Palestinian sources, al-Qasha’leh had been held for over 13 months and was scheduled to be released in approximately six months. The Israeli Prison Service earlier confirmed the death of an unnamed Palestinian administrative detainee. Administrative detention is a practice that allows Israel to hold individuals indefinitely without charge or trial, a policy widely criticized by international human rights organizations.

Rights Groups Warn of Systematic Abuses in Prisons

Palestinian and international human rights groups have repeatedly raised alarms about the treatment of prisoners in Israeli facilities. They warn of systematic violations, including allegations of torture, denial of adequate food, medical neglect, and physical and sexual assault. These organizations contend that such conditions have directly contributed to the deaths of multiple detainees over the years, calling for independent investigations and adherence to international law.

Scale of Detention and International Concern

Palestinian authorities estimate that more than 9,300 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons and detention camps. This population includes over 50 women and approximately 350 children. Each death in custody intensifies scrutiny of Israel's detention policies and galvanizes calls for accountability from the international community. The issue remains a deeply sensitive and contentious aspect of the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with nations including Türkiye frequently condemning the practice of administrative detention and calling for the protection of Palestinian rights.