Nightmare behind Israeli bars: The dire reality of Mitzpe Ramon prison
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The newly established Israeli Mitzpe Ramon prison has become yet another symbol of the harsh and inhumane treatment faced by Palestinian detainees.
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Palestinian detainees released by Israeli occupation forces through the Karem Abu Salem crossing wait to receive treatment after they were subjected to torture by IOF, on December 23, 2023. (AP)
The Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs condemned the dire conditions faced by Palestinian detainees in the newly established Mitzpe Ramon prison, describing their daily reality as catastrophic and life-threatening.
The commission warned in a statement that the ongoing conditions in the facility are putting detainees' health and well-being at severe risk.
According to the statement, Mitzpe Ramon, one of the Israeli detention camps newly constructed or reopened following the ongoing aggression on Gaza, exemplifies the ongoing violations of international law by Israeli authorities. These actions have significantly intensified the suffering of Palestinian detainees, it noted.
Inhumane conditions
The commission said that the prison is described as overcrowded, with 10 cells in total, with each cell holding between 15 and 17 detainees. The conditions in the cells, as per the commission, are overcrowded and inhumane, with narrow, double-decker metal bunks that leave little room for movement or comfort. The thin, worn mattresses offer minimal respite, offering no defense against the biting cold that seeps into the bones. The chill from the cold iron beds penetrates deeply, causing discomfort and physical pain, exacerbating the suffering of detainees. Sleep is nearly impossible in these conditions, as the constant cold and the hardness of the beds make rest elusive, contributing to both physical and psychological distress.
In addition to the overcrowding and inhumane conditions, the detainees are being deprived of basic necessities. The commission reported that detainees have been denied access to hot water, and some have not been able to shower for over a month. The lack of proper medical care further compounds their suffering, with many detainees becoming easy targets for worsening health conditions due to inadequate treatment.
The food provided to detainees is sparse and monotonous, consisting mainly of yogurt and jam in small portions, while the prison’s poor infrastructure exacerbates their suffering. Each room has four windows that allow rainwater to seep in, creating a constant draft and making the cold even more unbearable. The blankets provided are old and thin, and detainees are without winter clothing. Those who request such clothing face punishment and most detainees are left without socks.
The Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs has urged international human rights organizations, humanitarian groups, and the global community to end their silence and intervene with Israeli authorities to stop the ongoing violations against detainees. The commission emphasized the urgency of protecting the lives and dignity of those detained under such harsh conditions.
'Israel' releases 20 Gaza detainees following reports of torture
The Israeli occupation released on Sunday 20 Palestinian prisoners through the Karem Abu Salem crossing, located in the far southeast of the Gaza Strip. The prisoners had been detained during an Israeli incursion in northern Gaza that began on October 5.
A Palestinian security source confirmed to Anadolu Agency that the freed prisoners were transported to the European Gaza Hospital, east of Khan Younis, for medical evaluations.
"20 Palestinians arrived at the hospital after being released by the Israeli army at the Karem Abu Salem crossing," the source stated.
The released individuals reported experiencing torture while in Israeli custody. Medical teams are currently conducting thorough examinations to assess their health conditions.
