Israel accused of systematically shooting Palestinian prisoners
Rights group says Israeli prisons increasingly use rubber bullets, torture and medical neglect against Palestinian detainees
RAMALLAH, Palestine (MNTV) — Israeli prison authorities have adopted the use of rubber bullets against Palestinian prisoners as a systematic form of punishment, leaving dozens wounded and some with life-threatening injuries, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society.
In a statement, the advocacy group said Palestinian prisoner rights organizations have documented numerous cases in which detainees were shot with rubber bullets inside Israeli prisons.
It warned that the true number of victims is likely much higher because Israeli authorities have imposed severe restrictions on prison visits and communications, making independent documentation difficult.
The organization said many prisoners suffered serious injuries, including severe bleeding to their limbs and other sensitive areas of the body, with several requiring surgery.
It added that one prisoner was informed by doctors that he could lose a limb because of complications resulting from his injuries.
According to the group, many wounded detainees continue to be denied adequate medical treatment, despite requiring specialized care. It accused Israeli prison authorities of deliberately withholding healthcare as part of broader abusive practices against Palestinian prisoners.
The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society said Israeli prison administrations have expanded their use of force in recent months by introducing new methods and weapons to suppress detainees.
It alleged that Palestinian prisoners have effectively become subjects for testing increasingly harsh methods of repression, particularly since Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in October 2023.
The organization said violence inside Israeli prisons has reached unprecedented levels, extending beyond physical abuse to include starvation, prolonged solitary confinement, torture, organized assaults and systematic medical neglect aimed at inflicting both physical and psychological suffering.
It also warned that repeated use of rubber bullets has caused lasting psychological trauma alongside permanent physical injuries for many prisoners.
The group called on the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international bodies to intervene urgently, halt the alleged abuses and hold Israeli officials accountable.
It argued that the reported practices constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions and the Convention Against Torture, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
According to Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations, around 9,500 Palestinians, including women and children, remain imprisoned in Israel under conditions marked by torture, starvation, medical neglect and other forms of abuse, with dozens of detainees reported to have died in custody.
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