Allegations of Sepsis of Abuse Emerge From Gaza Prisoner
A freed Palestinian prisoner from Gaza has offered a harrowing account of alleged abuse inside Israeli detention facilities, asserting that detainees endured systematic torture, humiliation, and even death. Akram al Basyouni, 45, says he was seized on 10 December 2023 at a shelter school in Jabalia and held for nearly two years, including time at the Sde Teiman military base. His testimony adds to a broader international concern over the treatment of Palestinians detained by Israel during conflicts and security operations.
Al Basyouni described a regime of brutal mistreatment, including beatings with batons and fists, dog attacks, and what guards allegedly called a “reception ceremony” involving gas exposure. He said some prisoners were beaten to the point of death, with corpses allegedly moved away in bags after the guards refused to intervene. He also recounted prolonged kneeling, deprivation of clothing and blankets, and a climate of religious and psychological abuse.
“Many of our fellow prisoners were beaten to the point of death,” he told Sky News. “When we cried out to the guards for help, they would answer coldly, ‘Let him die’.” He claimed that authorities would later remove bodies, tightly bag them, and shut the doors. His account includes descriptions of beheadings of sorts through severe beatings that left injuries such as shattered ribs and burned skin from boiling water.
Claims Include Religious and Medical Neglect
Al Basyouni said detainees faced routine religious provocation and verbal abuse, including insults directed at the Prophet and at prisoners’ families, with some alleged threats that their relatives were dead. He suggested that medical care was intentionally withheld and that even doctors were not spared from mistreatment. The account references specific inmates, including doctors, and private injuries sustained while in custody. “Even the doctors were beaten and denied treatment,” he said, describing a troubling environment where medical needs were sacrificed to punitive aims.
Sky News notes that it sought comment from the Israel Prison Service (IPS) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) but had not received a response at the time of reporting. Al Basyouni’s testimony comes amid broader scrutiny of detention practices and the status of thousands of Palestinians held since the conflict’s October 2023 escalation.
Context: Legal Framework and International Response
International observers have raised alarms about the treatment of Palestinian detainees. A 2024 United Nations report highlighted that thousands of Palestinians have been held arbitrarily and incommunicado since 7 October 2023, with reports of shackling, torture, and deprivation of essential needs such as food, water, sleep, and medical care. Israel has maintained that it adheres to international and domestic laws governing prisoner treatment, and that any violations are investigated within a legal framework. Officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have in the past framed security measures as harsh but lawful.
Al Basyouni claimed that many detainees, including medical professionals, died from beatings or medical neglect. He cited the death of Dr Adnan al-Bursh, noting he was allegedly struck in the chest by a guard and died shortly after. Sky News’ investigation into al-Bursh’s death found that he sustained severe injuries while in custody at Ofer Prison. Al Basyouni also said he heard of other doctors, such as Dr Hossam Abu Safiya and Dr Akram Abu Ouda, who faced torture and neglect.
What Comes Next
Statements such as these fuel calls for independent, transparent investigations into detention practices and prisoner health care in Israel. Human rights advocates emphasize the need for due process and oversight to protect detainees’ rights under international law. While official channels have not yet responded to these specific allegations, researchers and journalists continue to scrutinize detention conditions and document accounts from former prisoners as part of a broader push for accountability.
Note: This article presents allegations from a released detainee and references ongoing reporting. IPS and IDF have not publicly corroborated all claims at this time. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources for a comprehensive view of the detention system and legal context.
