Israel’s Supreme Court has ruled that the government is failing to provide adequate food to Palestinian prisoners, ordering immediate improvements to ensure basic subsistence.
On Sunday, a three-judge panel unanimously found that the state is legally obligated to supply sufficient nutrition for a basic level of existence, citing clear indications of insufficiency in current provisions. This landmark decision came in response to a petition filed last year by human rights groups, including the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) and Gisha, who alleged that policy changes post-October 2023 have caused malnutrition and starvation among detainees.
The petition highlighted severe cases, such as the death of a 17-year-old Palestinian boy in March, where doctors attributed the cause to starvation, underscoring the urgency of the court’s intervention. Human rights organizations have documented widespread abuses in Israeli prisons, including poor food quality, inadequate healthcare, and unsanitary conditions, which have escalated during the nearly two-year conflict in Gaza.
In a sharp response, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees the prison system, criticized the ruling, stating that Israeli hostages in Gaza lack judicial protection while the court defends what he called “imprisoned terrorists.” He vowed to continue enforcing only the minimal conditions required by law, reflecting the political tensions surrounding the issue.
The court’s order mandates that the prison service take steps to ensure food supplies meet legal standards for basic subsistence, a move that could impact the treatment of thousands of Palestinian security prisoners held often without charge. This judicial rebuke is rare amid the ongoing war and signals growing concerns over human rights violations within Israel’s detention system.
ACRI and other advocates have welcomed the decision, calling for immediate implementation and describing current prison conditions as akin to “torture camps.” They emphasize that no individual should be subjected to starvation, regardless of their actions or affiliations, highlighting the moral and legal imperatives at stake.
Looking forward, the ruling may face implementation challenges due to political opposition, but it sets a precedent for accountability and could influence Israel’s international reputation and future policies on detainee welfare. The focus now shifts to how authorities will comply with the court’s directives and address the humanitarian crisis in prisons.