Jerusalem: Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has proposed the establishment of a detention facility surrounded by crocodiles to hold Palestinian prisoners, as reported by local media on Sunday. The proposal, described as unusual, has been put forward to the Israel Prison Service, aiming to prevent escape attempts by security prisoners.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ben-Gvir, who leads the Jewish Power Party, presented this idea during a recent situation assessment meeting with Israel Prison Service Chief Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi. The proposed location for this facility is near the Hamat Gader area in northern Israel, close to the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and the Jordanian border. This area is known for its crocodile farm and zoo, which would serve as a natural deterrent for escape attempts.

The proposal has emerged ahead of an expected vote by the Israeli Knesset on a related bill proposed by Ben-Gvir. This bill calls for the execution of Palestinian prisoners accused by Israel of participating in or planning attacks against the state. The Knesset Plenum has already approved this bill in its first reading on November 11, and it must pass two more readings to become law.

Israel currently detains over 9,300 Palestinian prisoners, including children and women. There have been numerous reports from Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations of torture, starvation, and medical neglect within these detention facilities, leading to fatalities among detainees.

The situation for Palestinian prisoners has become more dire amid ongoing conflicts, including Israel's intense military campaign on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of over 70,900 people, predominantly women and children, and injuries to nearly 171,200 others since October 2023. This assault has devastated the region, leaving it in ruins.