A recent report by Physicians for Human Rights Israel reveals that at least 94 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody over the past two years, alleging systematic human rights abuses including physical violence and medical neglect. The findings, covering the period from October 7, 2023, to August 2025, mark a dramatic increase compared to fewer than 30 deaths in the prior decade, according to the well-regarded Israeli human rights group.
The report documents that 52 of the deaths occurred in military prisons and 42 in civilian facilities run by the Israel Prison Service, with the Sde Teiman military prison near Gaza recording the highest number at 29 fatalities. PHRI’s investigation, based on official records, forensic reports, and testimonies from detainees and families, highlights a pattern of severe physical abuse and medical negligence as primary causes. For instance, a 45-year-old man, Mohammad Husein Ali, died at Kishon detention center with injuries consistent with beatings, while a 17-year-old boy succumbed to starvation, underscoring issues of malnutrition.
Specific incidents have drawn public attention, such as the case at Sde Teiman where five Israeli reservist soldiers were charged with aggravated abuse after a Palestinian prisoner was allegedly beaten and stabbed with a sharp object in July 2024. Footage emerged showing detainees surrounded by riot shields during the alleged assault, though the soldiers deny the charges. The report accuses Israeli authorities of attempting to cover up these deaths and suppress investigations, with families often not notified of their relatives’ fates.
PHRI attributes the surge in deaths to policies under National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, who has advocated for harsher prison conditions. The group claims that detention facilities have effectively become sites of torture and abuse, with daily violence and systematic deprivation of rights. In response, the IPS and IDF state that all operations adhere to Israeli and international law, with proper oversight and access to medical care, though they deny knowledge of the specific allegations.
Compounding the issue, Israel has restricted access to detention facilities for organizations like the Red Cross and withheld information on hundreds of detainees, making it difficult to determine the full death toll. PHRI describes a policy of ‘forced disappearance,’ where Palestinians are detained without family notification, hindering accountability. The group estimates the actual number of deaths could be higher than documented, given these obstacles.
The revelations have ignited controversy in Israel, with protests both supporting and condemning the alleged abuses. While some soldiers have faced prosecution, rights groups argue that accountability remains inadequate. The situation has improved slightly in recent months due to pressure, such as a Supreme Court order for better food provisions, but concerns persist over ongoing human rights violations.
As the conflict continues, the report underscores the urgent need for independent investigations and reforms to address the systemic issues in Israeli detention practices. The international community and human rights organizations are calling for greater transparency and justice to prevent further fatalities and uphold legal standards.
