As Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al Fitr, with family gatherings and the sharing of food, the Israeli occupation continues to detain thousands of Palestinian prisoners in their jails. Since the beginning of the genocide in Gaza, these political prisoners have continued to be banned from any communication and visits with their families.
Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners have not communicated with their families for decades
The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society says that hundreds of Palestinian prisoners have been prevented from seeing their families for decades by the Israeli occupation — some for as long as 40 years.
Since October 2023, these policies of isolation have expanded exponentially, and have further intensified since the US and “Israel” began their attacks on Iran. Lawyers have long been the only window to the outside world for Palestinian prisoners, but the occupation has now also suspended all lawyer visits for detainees. It has also extended the state of emergency in prisons, until May. This means that any measures imposed on prisoners since the beginning of the genocide in Gaza will remain in place, under the pretext of “security”.
Escalating Abuse and Conditions During Ramadan 2026
The Palestinian Centre for the Defense of Prisoners (PCDP) says this Ramadan 2026 marked:
one of the harshest periods for Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons in more than four decades.
Not only were prisoners having to cope with the usual medical neglect, starvation and torture, but they were also facing unprecedented conditions during Ramadan, imposed on them by the occupation. “Israel” ensured there was a lack of regular pre-dawn meals, while also significantly delaying the breaking of the fast. According to the PCDP, the occupation’s intentional neglect of Palestinian prisoners during this time has worsened the suffering of fasting detainees and negatively impacting their health.
In a clear violation of religious freedom, some prison sections have also limited Palestinian prisoners on bringing in copies of the Quran, and banned group prayers on group prayers. “Israel” has also carried out various raids against Palestinian prisoners this Ramadan. In February, the fascist National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, gave orders for detainees in Ofer Prison near Ramallah to be violently assaulted. This resulted in stun grenades being fired at prisoners, who were also violently attacked.
More than one in three Palestinian prisoners are held with no trial or charge
As of early March 2023, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society, there are more than 9500 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons. The majority are being held without charge or trial, including women and children. More than 100 have been killed by the systematic repression and torture practiced against them by the Israeli occupation. 88 of these martyrs have been identified.
As of 20 March, 79 Palestinian women are locked up in the occupation’s prisons, and 350 children. More than 3440 are held under administrative detention, without charge or trial. Almost 1250 from Gaza, known as “unlawful combatants,” are currently being held without trial or charge.
With international attention waning, the Israeli occupation has increased abuses against Palestinian detainees. Measures are also being adopted that could pave the way for legalising executions. These developments deepen the vulnerability of prisoners, and make urgent independent oversight and accountability more necessary than ever.
Featured image via the Canary
By Charlie Jaay
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