Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked widespread condemnation after sharing a video showing Palestinian women prisoners in visibly distressed conditions inside Israeli detention facilities.
Ben-Gvir, whose ministry oversees police and prison authorities, posted the footage on social media on Sunday and appeared to defend the harsh treatment of Palestinian detainees, presenting the conditions as part of his broader crackdown on prisoners.
The video reportedly showed several Palestinian women detainees appearing physically weakened and distressed. Some prisoners described difficult living conditions, including alleged shortages of clean clothing and limited access to water and basic sanitation facilities.
One woman prisoner was heard describing a lack of adequate supplies necessary for maintaining personal hygiene and protecting herself from illness.
Ben-Gvir publicly expressed satisfaction with the conditions imposed on Palestinian prisoners, claiming that Israeli authorities had ended what he described as the era of “summer camps” in prisons.
“We are successfully reducing the number of terrorists in this way,” he said, according to reports.
The comments have intensified criticism of Ben-Gvir and his prison policies, particularly amid longstanding concerns raised by Palestinian groups and international human rights organisations over conditions inside Israeli detention facilities.
Ben-Gvir has become one of the most controversial figures in Israeli politics and is widely known for his hardline positions regarding Palestinians. His ministry has authority over Israel’s police and prison services, making him a central figure in decisions affecting the treatment and detention conditions of Palestinian prisoners.
The issue has gained additional political significance as Israel enters an election period, with the electoral process expected to conclude in October. Critics argue that Ben-Gvir has increasingly used his tough stance on Palestinian prisoners and security issues as part of his political messaging.
The latest video has renewed calls for independent scrutiny of conditions inside Israeli prisons, particularly concerning Palestinian women detainees and allegations of mistreatment, inadequate sanitation, hunger and physical abuse.
Human rights advocates have repeatedly called for detainees to be treated in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights standards, regardless of the allegations or charges against them.
The publication of the footage by a senior Israeli minister, coupled with his public defence of harsh prison conditions, is likely to further intensify international debate over the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.
Several allegations regarding the treatment and conditions of prisoners remain subject to independent verification.
