The Israeli outlet Haaretz has found that at least four Palestinians have died while under interrogation by the Israeli Shin Bet in over a year. Since October 7, Israeli officials have touted worsening the conditions for imprisoned Palestinians, while human rights groups have reported Israelis tortured the detainees.
According to Haaretz, one of the dead is Iyad Rantisi, former director of the Women’s Hospital in Beit Lahia. While Tel Aviv claims the doctor died of a heart attack, his body showed signs of beatings. Israel cleared Rantisi of being guilty of any crimes. None of the four killed have been officially accused of a crime.
Authorities in Tel Aviv have not recommended charges against any of the Shin Bet guards who oversaw the dead detainees. It was previously reported that 11 Palestinians have died in Israeli detention during the first eight months following the October 7 attack. It’s likely the true death toll is higher than admitted by Tel Aviv.
That Palestinians are dying in Israeli detention is unsurprising. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has routinely bragged that he has made the living conditions for Palestinians miserable. He has even suggested executing Palestinian detainees to make room for new inmates.
Whistleblowers, mainstream outlets, and human rights organizations have accused Israel of systematic medical neglect, beatings, and sexual abuse of prisoners.
Videos have surfaced from the Israeli detention centers showing inmates humiliated, tortured, and neglected. Additionally, a video emerged showing a Palestinian being raped by their captors. Since October 7, Tel Aviv has rounded up thousands of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank.
