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[INTERNATIONAL] · Israel · 17 sources

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Itamar Ben-Gvir defends harsher conditions for Palestinian female prisoners

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has publicly expressed satisfaction with the deterioration of detention conditions for Palestinian women at Damon prison. In a video shared on social media, Ben-Gvir confronted female inmates, stating that the era of “summer camp” conditions in Israeli prisons has ended. He declared that he is personally responsible for maintaining these stricter conditions, which he intends to keep at the “bare minimum required by law.”

During the encounter, a prisoner identified as a member of Palestinian Islamic Jihad reported that the women had gone three days without showering, lacked clean clothing, and were being denied adequate medical treatment and water. Ben-Gvir dismissed these complaints, comparing the treatment of Palestinian detainees to the conditions faced by Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023.

The minister’s actions and rhetoric have drawn sharp condemnation from Palestinian organizations. The Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs characterized the visit as a “political spectacle” designed to intimidate and humiliate female prisoners rather than a legitimate inspection. This escalation in prison policy comes amid intensifying political competition within Israel as elections approach.

Entities

Benjamin Netanyahu · Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs · Damon Prison · Gaza’s Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs · Hamas · Islamic Jihad · Itamar Ben-Gvir · Palestinian Islamic Jihad · Yasmin Shaaban

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