News / Palestine / Editor's Choice

Israel continues to torture 2,000 abductees from Gaza despite ceasefire: Advocacy group

Saturday, 24 January 2026 6:19 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 24 January 2026 6:19 PM ]

This file picture shows Palestinian abductees at Ofer Prison in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. (Photo via social media)

A Palestinian prisoners’ rights group says nearly 2,000 abductees from the Gaza Strip, who are held in Israeli prisons and detention centers, are enduring torture and abuse, despite the ceasefire that took effect on October 10 last year.

The Asra Media Office said in a statement on Friday that the detainees were among more than 14,000 people who were kidnapped during the Israeli military’s genocidal campaign in the coastal territory.

The statement highlighted the dire circumstances faced by prisoners in Israeli jails, including Ofer, Naqab, Sde Teiman, and Rakefet. Many are forced to endure extended periods without blankets or mattresses, which exacerbates their distress, particularly during the cold winter months.

The advocacy group also outlined intentional starvation practices, revealing that detainees are given extremely limited food rations that do not meet even their basic nutritional requirements. This has led to considerable weight loss and worsening health conditions, especially among those who are already sick or injured.

Numerous reports indicate serious violations, including prohibiting group prayer, restricting access to the Holy Qur’an, limiting outdoor time, and banning showers and hygiene products. These actions have resulted in a troubling increase in severe skin diseases among the abductees.

Israel committing ' systematic genocide' against Palestinian prisoners: Advocacy groups

A report by leading Palestinian prisoner rights groups say Israel is committing a "systematic genocide" against Palestinians languishing behind Israeli jails.

The Office has verified that at least 51 detainees from Gaza, who have since been identified, have died in custody since October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, many others are still unaccounted for due to enforced disappearances, and hundreds more have been classified as “unlawful combatants.”

The Asra Media Office urgently requested international intervention to secure the release of detainees from Gaza, halt ongoing abuses, facilitate independent international visits, and ensure accountability for Israel under international law.

The conditions under which Palestinian inmates are being held by Israel are deeply concerning, marked by poor 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.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir