Thair Abu Asab death: Video emerges of fatal prison assault

New video footage has emerged documenting the final moments of Palestinian detainee Thair Abu Asab, who died in November 2023 following an assault by prison guards at Katziot Prison in the Negev.

Abu Asab, 38, had been detained since May 2005. According to testimonies and investigations by the Palestinian Prisoners and Released Prisoners Affairs Commission, suppression units entered a cell containing ten detainees and focused their assault on Abu Asab. Following the incident, his health deteriorated, and medical assistance reportedly arrived approximately 90 minutes later. He was subsequently transferred to Soroka Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Autopsy results revealed that Abu Asab suffered heart wall tears and multiple rib fractures, with cardiac and respiratory failure cited as the cause of death. In September 2026, the Israeli Prosecution filed an indictment against 12 members of the Israel Prison Service in connection with Abu Asab’s death and the assault on eight other detainees. The indictment includes a shift leader, several guards from the ‘Keter’ unit, and a canine handler, alleging the use of punches, kicks, and batons during the incident.