Jerusalem: Israel's extremist national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has come under fire after a video surfaced showing him taunting a Palestinian woman prisoner about the harsh conditions of her detention. The prisoner, who complained about inadequate food, unclean water, and the lack of basic necessities, was told by Ben-Gvir that "prison is not a hotel."

According to Anadolu Agency, the video was posted by Ben-Gvir on his Telegram account on Friday and was filmed inside an Israeli prison. In the video, Ben-Gvir, speaking through an interpreter, inquired about the prisoner's well-being, to which she responded with concerns about her deteriorating mental health, including depression and psychological harm.

The minister's dismissive response to her complaints has drawn widespread criticism. He told the prisoner, "The food should not be good. This is not a hotel," and further added, "Anyone who commits a crime must learn, especially if it is against the people of Israel." Ben-Gvir, known for his controversial statements, emphasized, "This is not a hotel. It used to be, but it no longer is. You should think about what you did."

Ben-Gvir has a history of making inflammatory remarks about Palestinians. Earlier this year, he stated, "The right of me, my wife, and kids to travel around the West Bank is more important than that of the Arabs." His office also released a video in May showing him taunting humanitarian aid participants in a flotilla to Gaza, forcing them to kneel with their hands tied while playing the Israeli national anthem.

Since assuming office in late 2022, Ben-Gvir has implemented stricter conditions for Palestinian prisoners, including food deprivation, medical neglect, torture, and solitary confinement. Recently, he even proposed placing crocodiles outside prisons holding Palestinians as a security measure.

Israel currently holds approximately 9,500 Palestinian prisoners, including 94 women and over 350 children, who face starvation, torture, and medical neglect, as reported by Palestinian and Israeli rights groups.