Tragic Toll: Over 90 Palestinian Deaths Reported in Israeli Prisons

Tue Nov 18 2025 16:04:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A new report from Physicians for Human Rights Israel reveals that at least 94 Palestinian detainees have died in Israeli custody within two years, raising serious concerns regarding treatment and oversight in the prison system.

According to a report by Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI), at least 94 Palestinian prisoners have died in Israeli prisons over a period of less than two years. The report, which highlights a pattern of systematic violations of human rights, claims that many deaths resulted from physical violence and medical neglect under the management of Israeli authorities, particularly following the escalation of conflict since October 2023. It also indicates a lack of transparency and accountability surrounding these incidents, with allegations of cover-ups and restricted access for monitoring bodies like the Red Cross.

At least 94 Palestinian prisoners and detainees have died in Israeli custody in less than two years, a well-regarded Israeli human rights group says.

A new report by Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) alleges a practice of systematic killings and cover-ups.

The report covers the period between 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel, sparking the latest conflict in Gaza, and 31 August 2025. It said fewer than 30 Palestinians died in Israeli custody in the 10 years prior.

The Israel Prison Service (IPS) told the BBC it operates in accordance with the law and under the supervision of official oversight bodies.

It said it did not comment on figures or allegations from outside bodies.

All inmates are held according to legal procedures, and their rights including access to medical care, hygiene, and adequate living conditions are upheld by professionally trained staff, the IPS added.

Since 7 October 2023, thousands of Palestinians have been detained across Gaza and the West Bank, many without charge.

PHRI said it had exposed a deeply concerning pattern of systematic human rights violations committed against Palestinians detained by Israel and classified as security prisoners.

It said this was carried out as part of an official policy implemented by Israeli authorities since the war began.

Israeli authorities have stopped providing information about Palestinians in custody to the Red Cross and barred access to detention facilities.

PHRI said its report is based on official records and data cross-referenced with forensic reports, information from other human rights groups and efforts to locate specific people, as well as testimony from detainees, their families and lawyers.

It singles out the policies of Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's right-wing national security minister and a key member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government.

PHRI says the deaths were caused by physical violence, medical neglect, or both, with 52 of those who died held in military prisons while 42 died in civilian jails run by IPS.

The report also discusses specific incidents, including the high-profile case of five Israeli reservists charged with aggravated abuse of a Palestinian detainee.

With serious allegations of cover-ups and lack of accountability, PHRI's findings raise urgent questions about the treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israel.