Gaza Herald – Dozens of Palestinians gathered in front of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) office in Gaza City on Monday, protesting ongoing violations against Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons and demanding improved conditions of detention.
Organized by the “Prisoners Committee” of the national and Islamic forces, the demonstration featured banners calling for an end to prisoners’ suffering, their immediate release, protection under international law, and accountability for Israeli actions.
Speakers emphasized the harsh humanitarian conditions faced by detainees, including reduced food rations and revoked previous rights, urging the international community and human rights organizations to pressure Israel to comply with global standards. They called on the ICRC to intensify prison visits, monitor detainees’ conditions closely, and ensure the delivery of essential supplies.
Issam Abu Daqa, representing the Democratic Front in the Prisoners Committee, highlighted the worsening plight of prisoners since Israel’s genocide on Gaza began on October 8, 2023. He warned of the risks posed by the proposed death penalty law for Palestinian detainees, passed in its first reading by the Israeli Knesset in November 2025, and urged international institutions to oppose any measures endangering prisoners’ lives.
Muawiya Al-Soufi, in charge of prisoners’ affairs for the Al-Ahrar movement, stressed the urgent need for the Red Cross to take a firm stance regarding the abuses, particularly for female prisoners enduring severe conditions.
According to Palestinian data, over 9,300 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, including 66 women and 350 children. Multiple reports from Palestinian, Israeli, and international sources have repeatedly documented widespread torture and deteriorating conditions, which have intensified since the October 2023 offensive coinciding with Israeli genocide in Gaza.
