Israel’s Supreme Court Orders Improved Prison Conditions for Palestinian Detainees
In an unusual move, Israel’s Supreme Court has ruled that the government is failing to provide Palestinian detainees with adequate food. On Sunday, the court insisted that authorities must enhance both the quantity and quality of food served to these inmates to ensure basic living standards.
Typically, the Supreme Court’s role is to advise on the legality of government actions, but it hasn’t often challenged decisions during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This ruling comes amidst intense scrutiny of Israel’s actions following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which led to the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis, primarily civilians. In response to international criticism, Israel maintains that it is acting to combat Hamas’s threats.
Israeli forces have detained numerous Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank, suspecting ties to militant activities. Many Palestinians have faced months of detention without formal charges, leading to reports of extreme overcrowding, poor food supplies, inadequate medical care, and outbreaks of illness among inmates.
The Supreme Court hears complaints about government actions, including those related to the treatment of prisoners. Two Israeli human rights organizations highlighted what they called a “systemic policy” aimed at depriving Palestinian prisoners of essential food.
A panel of three judges unanimously concluded that the Israeli government is legally obliged to provide detainees with three meals per day, which is necessary to meet a “basic level of existence.” In a split ruling, the court also backed claims that the government’s food restrictions have resulted in significant health issues for Palestinian prisoners during the conflict.
In their decision, the judges emphasized that they are not calling for luxury but are insisting on basic survival conditions mandated by law. Notably, authorities have reported at least 61 Palestinian deaths in custody since the conflict escalated. In one alarming case, a 17-year-old detainee reportedly died from starvation-related causes.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, responsible for overseeing Israel’s prison system, reacted strongly against the ruling. He criticized the court for its stance, arguing that it should prioritize the welfare of Israeli hostages held by Hamas instead of advocating for prisoners. He committed to maintaining the current policy of enforcing minimal conditions for detainees.
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) has urged for the immediate implementation of the court’s verdict. They labeled Israeli prisons as “torture camps” and stated unequivocally that no state should allow individuals to starve, regardless of their actions.
