Detainees in Ofer Prison Endure Medical Negligence and Inhumane Conditions

Commission of Detainees Affairs: Detainees in Ofer Prison Endure Medical Negligence and Inhumane Conditions

May 5, 2025

The Commission of Detainees Affairs has reported alarming conditions faced by Palestinian detainees held in Ofer prison, highlighting ongoing medical neglect and escalating repressive measures by the prison administration. According to the Commission’s legal representative, who recently visited the facility, detainees are subjected to deliberate medical negligence and degrading treatment, including repeated violent raids on their cells by special units.

The report states that detainees continue to suffer from poor-quality meals that are insufficient in quantity and lack essential nutrients such as salt and sugar. In a recent escalation, the prison’s Metzada unit stormed several sections, confiscated prisoners’ mattresses, and imposed collective punishments.

Recreational time is frequently denied without justification, and when granted, it is limited to only 30 minutes at 6:00 AM. Additionally, prisoners are struggling with severe shortages of clothing and personal necessities.

The Commission’s lawyer documented several individual cases during the visit:

Qutaiba Samour, an administrative detainee from Tulkarm, held in Section 19, Room 8, has been suffering from persistent skin irritation for over a month. Despite repeated requests for medical tests, the prison administration has failed to respond.

Abdullah Mohammad Saleh Manasrah, 18, from Jenin, held in Section 11, Room 15, suffers from dental pain and skin allergies. He is in need of medical ointments and thorough examination, yet his pleas have gone unanswered.

Sharaf Al-Din Adel Mohammad Abu Dayya, an administrative detainee from Halhul, held in Section 25, Room 14, suffers from vision problems that began prior to his arrest. He has requested proper medical evaluation, which has been repeatedly denied.

Mohammad Mahmoud Issa, from Bethlehem, held in Section 16, Room 12, is experiencing multiple health issues including ear infections, fungal conditions in his feet, and stomach complications. He stated that these problems developed after his detention and has filed multiple requests for treatment, all of which have been ignored by the prison administration.

The Commission condemned the ongoing violations and urged immediate international intervention to ensure the protection of detainees’ basic rights and access to necessary medical care.