Qadura Fares, the head of the Palestinian Authority’s Commission for Detainees’ Affairs, has called upon the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to intervene immediately, describing the treatment of Palestinians in Israeli jails as “cruel and unprecedented.”
During a meeting with ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric, Fares conveyed that Palestinian detainees are enduring the harshest conditions in the history of their plight. He implored Spoljaric to take decisive action, highlighting a disturbing “new phase” of attacks against detainees since October 7.
Fares outlined the grim situation, revealing that Israeli authorities have imposed restrictions preventing prisoners from going outside and have confiscated essential belongings, including kitchen equipment, appliances, and clothing. Moreover, there has been a reduction in the quantity of food provided to the detainees.
Alarming reports of torture, beatings, and deliberate denial of medical attention have emerged, resulting in numerous injuries and broken bones among the prisoners. Fares disclosed that, tragically, at least six Palestinians have lost their lives in custody.
As Fares urges the ICRC to step in, the plea underscores a critical need for international intervention to address the escalating brutality faced by Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails.
