Israel carrying out 'systematic executions' of Palestinian prisoners: Rights group

A Palestinian prisoners’ advocacy group says the Israeli regime is carrying out “systematic executions” of Palestinian inmates beyond the reach of international scrutiny.

The Asra Media Office (AMO) said in a statement on Wednesday that Palestinian detainees are dying behind bars without fair trials or notification to their families. 

It described the deaths as extrajudicial killings - a war crime and a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

The advocacy group cited a recent revelation that at least 98 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody amid the genocidal war in the Gaza Strip, saying the figure is consistent with findings from human rights organizations.

The statement emphasized that, under international humanitarian law, Israeli actions constitute serious breaches and clear violations of the Geneva Conventions.

They specifically infringe upon Common Article 3 and Article 27 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which require occupying forces to safeguard the lives and dignity of detainees at all times.

The AMO placed full responsibility on Israel for the deaths, citing brutal torture, starvation, and intentional medical neglect as the causes.

The rights group further emphasized that the real death toll is probably significantly higher, citing Israel's ongoing policy of secrecy and forced disappearances, particularly targeting individuals detained on or after October 7, 2023.

The office urged international organizations, especially the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to take responsibility by initiating a prompt international investigation, securing access to detainees, putting an end to ongoing violations, and ensuring accountability for those responsible at the International Criminal Court.

Palestinian leader Barghouti subjected to brutal torture in Israeli prison, says advocacy group

A Palestinian prisoners’ advocacy group says jailed Hamas leader Abdullah Barghouti is subjected to brutal torture at the maximum-security Gilboa Prison in the Israeli-occupied territories.

It called for initiatives to determine the fate of numerous prisoners who have been victims of enforced disappearances, to carry out inspections to evaluate their conditions and rights, and to advocate for their prompt release.

The statement finally emphasized the crucial need to amplify widespread solidarity campaigns in support of the detainees on all platforms, maintaining efforts until every one of them is released.

The conditions under which Palestinian inmates are held by Israel are deeply concerning, marked by unsatisfactory hygiene practices. Additionally, these detainees continue to face ongoing torture, mistreatment, and systemic oppression.

Palestinian prisoners have repeatedly engaged in prolonged hunger strikes as a form of protest against their perceived unjust detention.

Human rights organizations report that Israel persists in breaching the rights and freedoms guaranteed to detainees under the Fourth Geneva Convention and international law.

The Palestine Detainees Studies Center states that approximately 60 percent of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons endure chronic illnesses. Tragically, a significant number have lost their lives either while imprisoned or shortly after their release, due to the severity of their medical conditions.

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