Jerusalem: A Palestinian prisoners' body warned Monday that the health of several women detainees in Israeli custody is deteriorating as prison authorities intensify raids, searches, and punitive measures. According to Anadolu Agency, the Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs reported testimonies from women prisoners documenting overcrowding, shortages of basic necessities, poor food, and medical neglect in prisons and interrogation centers.
The commission highlighted that the conditions are taking a growing physical and psychological toll on detainees. Among those affected is Abeer Odeh from Tulkarem, in the West Bank, who suffers from asthma and issues affecting her esophagus and back. Odeh, who underwent surgery before her detention, said she is only receiving stomach medication despite needing other treatment. She recounted that prison authorities raided rooms holding women detainees at Damon Prison on August 17 and carried out another crackdown the following day, forcing prisoners out and confiscating clothes and personal belongings.
The commission also mentioned Yasmine Shaaban from Jenin, in the West Bank, who requires medical treatment for a uterine condition. Shaaban had previously spent around nine years in Israeli prisons before her detention again in May 2025 and has since been issued five administrative detention orders. Additionally, the report noted that Nadine al-Daghamin from as-Samu, south of Hebron, suffers from a severe skin rash and allergies, while Shahd Adi from Beit Ummar has contracted scabies.
The body reported that extremist Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered Damon Prison on August 19, where he threatened Palestinian prisoners and boasted about measures imposed on them. Concerns were also raised over the health of 54-year-old Palestinian physician Dima Mohammed Amin, who was detained on August 18. Amin suffered symptoms of a heart attack and underwent cardiac catheterization, while also experiencing low blood sugar, unstable blood pressure, high cholesterol, and dizziness.
After a lawyer visited her at the Russian Compound interrogation center, Amin described shortages of food and clothing, repeated searches, shouting, and psychological pressure. She also reported that women detainees were forcibly dragged from their cells and made to stand in a corner without being allowed to move. The commission warned that her detention conditions pose further risks to her health and stated she requires continuous medical care.
The commission noted that around 92 Palestinian women are currently held in Israeli prisons and detention centers. Palestinian figures estimate the total number of Palestinians in Israeli prisons as of early July to be around 9,400, including more than 350 children, 3,244 administrative detainees, and 1,320 people classified by Israel as 'unlawful combatants.'