Gaza Herald – Gaza witnessed a massive and angry public demonstration on Tuesday, organized by families of Palestinian detainees, with participation from released detainees and representatives of Palestinian prisoner institutions.
The protest took place in front of the International Committee of the Red Cross headquarters in western Gaza City, denouncing the recent Israeli legislation known as the “Prisoner Death Penalty Law.”
Protesters held pictures of inmates in Israeli jails, Palestinian flags, and banners with slogans expressing outrage, including “Fascist Law, Flawed Justice, Don’t Abandon Our Prisoners” and “You Legalized Killing? Blood Demands Freedom.”
Hazem Qassem, spokesperson for Hamas, warned that the law represents a direct threat to the lives of all Palestinian prisoners and a blatant violation of international humanitarian and human rights conventions. He emphasized that the Israeli occupation has systematically executed hundreds of prisoners over the years through torture and medical neglect and that this legislation formalizes an already brutal system. Qassem called for a widespread, popular, and international mobilization, urging the United Nations and human rights organizations to provide urgent protection for Palestinian detainees and demanding that the ICRC take concrete action beyond mere statements.
Speakers at the demonstration highlighted that the law escalates Israel’s punitive policies to unprecedented levels, placing every prisoner under imminent threat. Released detainees shared firsthand accounts of the harsh conditions inside Israeli prisons, detailing deteriorating health, psychological trauma, and restricted access to food and family visits.
Families of prisoners expressed deep fear and anxiety, particularly women responsible for the care of children, emphasizing that the law intensifies their sense of helplessness and vulnerability.
Participants in the protest stressed that international silence would embolden Israel to continue its abuses with impunity. They demanded that the global community act decisively to prevent further violations, protect the lives of Palestinian prisoners, and uphold international law.
The movement vowed to maintain public and media pressure until the law is repealed and prisoner rights are fully safeguarded, underlining that the plight of Palestinian prisoners remains a central issue in the national consciousness of Gaza and the broader Palestinian community.
