Gaza Herald – Palestinian female prisoners were subjected to forced removal of their headscarves, beatings, tear gas, pepper spray, and prolonged humiliation during a series of assaults by Israeli prison guards on October 7 and 8, according to the Prisoners’ Media Office.
The organization said guards forced female detainees to uncover their hair, subjected them to invasive inspections, and confined 17 women to a cell for three hours while ordering them to undo their braids.
Other detainees were forced to lie face down on the floor, beaten on their legs, and returned to cells filled with gas, the office said.
The reported assaults left several women struggling to breathe, vomiting, or unable to walk. A pregnant detainee was transferred to a prison clinic after her health deteriorated.
The Prisoners’ Media Office condemned the treatment as a serious violation of the women’s privacy, dignity, and basic rights, demanding urgent international intervention.
Guards Force Women to Remove Headscarves and Undo Their Hair
According to the Prisoners’ Media Office, the assaults began on the morning of October 7 when a prison officer entered the women’s detention section and forced several Palestinian detainees to remove their headscarves for hair inspections.
Following the inspections, 17 women were taken to cell number 13, where they were held in isolation for approximately three hours.
During their confinement, guards ordered the detainees to undo their braided hair.
The organization said the forced removal of headscarves and invasive inspections violated the women’s personal privacy and dignity.
The measures were accompanied by further restrictions and mistreatment, leaving the detainees exposed to repeated humiliation and intimidation.
Tear Gas and Sound Grenades Used Against Female Detainees
The office said Israeli prison guards had also deployed large quantities of tear gas and sound grenades in the detention section’s courtyard.
Several women suffered breathing difficulties after being exposed to the gas.
Guards then removed detainees from multiple cells and forced them to lie face down on the floor for approximately one hour, according to the statement.
The women were subsequently returned to cells that remained filled with gas.
The organization warned that the use of chemical irritants in confined detention areas poses serious risks to prisoners, particularly those with existing health conditions.
It also documented a separate raid on cell number 9 on October 7, during which guards beat female detainees on their legs.
Pepper Spray Leaves Women Vomiting and Unable to Walk
The reported assaults continued on October 8, when Israeli prison guards sprayed large quantities of pepper spray inside a room holding 15 Palestinian women.
According to the Prisoners’ Media Office, the effects spread beyond the targeted room, causing women in neighboring cells to vomit and affecting older detainees.
The organization said one woman had to be carried by fellow prisoners, while another was unable to walk.
It also documented an attack in which guards sprayed chemical irritants at women inside shower facilities.
The reported use of gas in enclosed spaces raised further concerns about the safety of detainees who had limited means of escaping exposure or obtaining immediate medical assistance.
Pregnant Detainee Transferred to Clinic After Health Deteriorates
Among those affected was a pregnant Palestinian detainee whose health deteriorated significantly following the reported assaults.
The Prisoners’ Media Office said she was transferred to a prison clinic after her condition worsened.
The statement did not provide further details about her medical condition or the treatment she received.
The organization warned that pregnant women, older detainees, and prisoners with existing illnesses face heightened risks when exposed to chemical irritants, physical assaults, and inadequate medical care.
It called for immediate access to appropriate healthcare for all affected prisoners.
Calls for International Investigation and Protection
The Prisoners’ Media Office urged international human rights and humanitarian organizations to intervene immediately to stop the reported abuses against Palestinian women in Israeli detention.
It demanded an end to beatings, forced isolation, invasive inspections, and the use of tear gas and pepper spray against detainees.
The organization also called for the protection of prisoners’ privacy and dignity, adequate medical treatment for injured and sick women, and special care for pregnant detainees.
It urged international bodies to seek access to detention facilities to independently assess conditions and investigate allegations of mistreatment.
International human rights law requires that all detainees be treated humanely and protected from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
The Prisoners’ Media Office warned that the reported assaults demonstrate the urgent need for independent oversight and accountability inside Israeli prisons.
For the Palestinian women subjected to the alleged attacks, the organization said, international intervention is essential to prevent further mistreatment and ensure their physical safety, health, and dignity.
