Rights Group Warns of Increasing Palestinian Inmate Deaths in Israeli Jails

According to data collected by medical experts, at least 94 Palestinians have died while in Israeli detention from October 7, 2023, to August 2025. This surge is linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Physicians for Human Rights — Israel (PHRI) published a report highlighting that the numbers might actually be underreported, and that in-depth reviews uncovered concerning trends of maltreatment and lack of access to necessary medical assistance in these cases.

An alarming loss of ethical and professional standards appears to be evident in the management of detainees, noted Naji Abbas, a prominent figure at PHRI.

PHRI's investigation involved dialogues with former detainees and medical staff, alongside forensic analyses from autopsies that involved multiple bruises and other trauma signs indicative of serious mistreatment.

Response from Israeli Authorities

The Israeli prison authorities countered PHRI's findings, maintaining that their operations conform to national legal frameworks and are rigorously overseen.

Official records gathered through freedom of information acts and additional sources were leveraged to document these fatalities, and PHRI asserts the possibility that the real death toll is potentially much higher, especially with the restrictions on information regarding hundreds of detainees.

Increased Detention and Death Rates

Prior to the conflict ignited by Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack, fewer than 30 Palestinians had died in detention over a span of ten years. The prison population has steeply risen, exceeding 11,000 as individuals, primarily from Gaza and the West Bank, were apprehended.

The fatality rate in custody has escalated considerably in comparison, the report states.

Firsthand Accounts and Testimonies

A former nurse from the Sde Teiman facility disclosed anonymously that restraints shackling prisoners resulted in grievous injuries in some cases.

Despite the onset of alleged staff brutality leading to deaths, security measures were said to be re-evaluated and surveillance increased to curb these incidents.

Cases of Medical Oversight

There are multiple records indicating systematic negligence in medical responses. Notably, a report highlighted a 45-year-old detainee who suffered trauma-related bleeding and potentially avoidable death.

Nutritional neglect was also a factor, exemplified by a young detainee who died due to malnutrition. Acknowledging external pressure, Israel's judiciary mandated dietary improvements for imprisoned Palestinians.

This has reportedly led to slight enhancements in nourishment provisions per rights advocates.