Former prisoner describes beatings and humiliation inside Israeli jails under Ben-Gvir's oversight
An Al Jazeera feature examines the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention centers overseen by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. A former inmate recounts that prisoners face humiliation and beatings that are not shown in publicized videos. Detainees also report inadequate hygiene and medical care, with Ben-Gvir expressing satisfaction with the conditions.
Amarneh, a photojournalist who lost an eye covering events in 2019, was detained twice without charge since the Gaza war began. The number of administrative detainees has surged from roughly 1,300 to over 3,200, according to Addameer, a group Israel and the US accuse of supporting terrorism, a claim it rejects.
Ben-Gvir posted an AI-generated video depicting emaciated detainees, which he removed after comparisons to Nazi camps. He also filmed himself confronting female prisoners, stating he was pleased with the conditions. A lawyer noted his tenure did not create the system's cruelties but oversees them.
This reporting could deepen international scrutiny of Israeli prison policies, potentially affecting diplomatic relations or legal proceedings. It may also influence public opinion within Israel, where Ben-Gvir's statements are already polarizing. For families of detainees, such testimonies could reinforce fears about safety and due process, while human rights groups may use this evidence to push for independent investigations.