17/04/2026

Press Release

Al-Dameer sends urgent appeals to the United Nations Special Rapporteurs regarding the escalating violations committed by the Israeli occupation forces against Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Al-Dameer Association for Human Rights in Gaza has submitted two urgent appeals to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and to the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This comes on the occasion of Palestinian Prisoners’ Day, observed on Friday, 17 April, in light of the serious deterioration in the conditions of Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in Israeli prisons.

In its urgent appeals, the organization expressed grave concern over the serious violations endured by prisoners, particularly amid escalating punitive policies and arbitrary measures adopted by the occupation authorities. These include ill-treatment, medical neglect, solitary confinement, and deprivation of family visits and basic necessities.

Al-Dameer affirmed that it has obtained documented testimonies and reports indicating that such practices may amount to torture and inhuman treatment, constituting a clear breach of the Convention against Torture, the Geneva Conventions, and international human rights law.

The organization further explained that the documented violations encompass various forms of physical and psychological torture, including severe beatings, prolonged shackling, stress positions, extended solitary confinement, and sleep deprivation. These are compounded by deliberate medical negligence and inhumane detention conditions characterized by overcrowding, malnutrition, and lack of adequate healthcare.

The organization also presented alarming individual cases, including a detainee suffering from cancer who was denied treatment and subjected to torture during his detention, and another who was subjected to violent field interrogation involving beatings, humiliation, and prolonged detention under harsh conditions—reflecting a recurring pattern of grave violations.

In its urgent appeals, Al-Dameer called on the UN Special Rapporteurs to take immediate action to protect Palestinian prisoners, exert pressure on the occupation authorities to halt these violations, ensure their treatment in accordance with international standards, and secure the release of all prisoners.

The organization further affirmed that it will continue documenting and monitoring violations against Palestinian prisoners and detainees, and will persist in engaging relevant international mechanisms to ensure accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims.

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