Palestinian women prisoners starved and strip searched as Israeli abuse intensifies
An Israel Prison Service van leaves Damon Prison in October 2011
Fayha Shalash reports in Middle East Eye on 11 November 2024:
Israeli prison authorities have intensified abuses against Palestinian women prisoners in recent months, detainees’ relatives and a monitoring group have said.
According to the Palestinian Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs Commission, women prisoners have been subjected to regular strip searches, arbitrary room inspections and confiscation of clothes and other essential items.
At least 94 female prisoners in the Damon Prison are “suffering” in worsening conditions that are “beyond all imaginable limits”, the commission said in a statement last week.
“Hundreds of testimonies from prisoners reveal shocking and horrific accounts of what has occurred and is ongoing against both male and female prisoners,” said the commission, basing its statement on recent visits made by lawyers to the prisoners.
“This includes the testimonies of female prisoners from Gaza, who have faced violations and crimes more severe and cruel than ever since the war began.” The retaliatory measures taken by the Israeli authorities include the confiscation of additional hijabs, shoes and other clothing items.
Hadeel Hassanein, the sister of imprisoned journalist Rula Hassanein, said her unwell sister was suffering complications due to the denial of medical treatment in prison. “She suffers from severe headaches and persistent high blood pressure,” Hadeel told Middle East Eye.
“Recently, she underwent tests at the prison clinic, but no treatment was provided, despite the results indicating blood in her urethra, which could lead to kidney failure if treatment is not provided.”Rula was arrested from her home in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on 19 March, Hadeel said.
Her recently born infant child is also experiencing multiple health issues, primarily because of being unable to breastfeed. The child was born prematurely at seven months and requires special care. “The baby’s respiratory system has been particularly affected, compounded by the cold weather and low immunity,” Hadeel added.
The Israeli Ofer Prison military court has issued two orders for her release that were rejected by the Israeli Military Prosecution, according to Hadeel.
Tala Nasser, a lawyer at the Ramallah-based NGO Addameer, which defends the rights of Palestine prisoners, said medical negligence and overcrowding have been rampant.
“Female prisoners are given very little time outdoors, mainly for showering, as the showers are outside the cells,” Nasser told MEE. “Additionally, the Israeli prison administration deliberately withholds cleaning supplies in Damon Prison, which has led to an increase in skin infections due to overcrowding. Most prisoners are forced to sleep on the floor.”
‘State without morals’
Among the most prominent violations faced by female prisoners is strip searches.