Gaza Herald – The Palestinian Prisoners Club stated that nearly 80 percent of prisoners and female detainees in Israeli jails, including children, suffer from scabies. This widespread infection persists due to the absence of proper medical treatment and ongoing shortages of clothing.
According to the club, repression operations recur in certain prison sections every two or three days. These incidents frequently result in injuries and fractures among the detainee population, highlighting a pattern of systematic abuse within the detention facilities.
The organization provided this information in a briefing based on visits by its legal teams to dozens of prisoners during October and early November 2026. The testimonies reveal a continued spread of scabies and worsening health conditions for patients, wounded individuals, and those with chronic illnesses.
Special units belonging to the Prison Administration raid sections using various weapons and accompanied by police dogs. Dozens of injuries have been recorded recently from rubber bullets and unidentified weapons used by guards, some causing burns and mobility disabilities.
Raid frequencies vary between prisons but do not exceed two weeks between operations. In specific wards, however, raids occur every two or three days, targeting particular rooms and causing injuries such as broken teeth, rib fractures, and body bruises.
The club identified severe clothing shortages as a primary cause of the scabies outbreak. Testimonies from visited prisoners and released detainees confirm that while 80 percent are infected, no real treatment addresses the root causes of the disease.
Crisis regarding bathing has intensified in some sections of Nقب Prison following major breakdowns in shower facilities. This occurs alongside severe overcrowding in central prisons due to continuous daily arrest campaigns.
The club also confirmed the continuation of starvation policies regarding food quality and quantity. It warned of serious health repercussions for thousands of prisoners, particularly those serving long sentences, noting visible physical deterioration upon release.
In Nقب Prison, prisoner A.B reported tendon cuts requiring surgery after a repression incident. On October 28, forces raided Section 24, removing mattresses and assaulting inmates. Another prisoner, M.K, suffered broken teeth from beatings.
Lawyers noted visible fear among detainees, stating prison administration denied signing necessary legal mandates. Prisoner M.S claimed authorities deliberately remove mattresses during daytime hours, forcing sick and elderly inmates to sit on floors or iron beds.
Regarding Damoun Prison for women, testimonies reflect hunger, repression, searches, and denial of healthcare rights. Many female detainees suffer limb spasms and severe itching preventing sleep, yet officials deny scabies diagnoses despite medical evidence from released prisoners.
The club concluded that similar testimonies indicate a repetitive pattern of torture, starvation, and medical neglect. It called on the international human rights system to act immediately to stop these violations against the more than 9,300 prisoners currently held.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
