A Palestinian journalist released from Israeli detention described the country’s prisons as “living graves,” detailing severe physical deterioration after a year in custody.
Ali Samoudi, 59, spoke to reporters on Thursday following his release after a year of administrative detention.
He said he lost nearly half his body weight during his detention, dropping from 120 kilograms to around 60, which he attributed to what he described as starvation policies and dire conditions inside Israeli prisons.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society said Samoudi was released in visibly deteriorated condition, noting that he appeared “completely different” after months of abuse, repeated transfers and denial of basic rights.
In his testimony, Samoudi said detainees are living under extremely harsh conditions, citing food shortages, poor-quality meals and the absence of basic necessities.
He urged families of prisoners not to abandon their relatives, warning that conditions inside prisons are worsening.
According to the Prisoners’ Society, Samoudi is among more than 3 530 Palestinians held under administrative detention, in addition to over 40 journalists still held in Israeli prisons, including four women.
The group renewed calls for the release of all detained journalists and urged the international community to take responsibility for ongoing violations against prisoners.
More than 9 600 Palestinians remain in Israeli prisons, including women and children, facing torture, starvation and medical neglect, which have led to the deaths of dozens, according to Palestinian and Israeli rights groups. – AA