Human Rights Report Documents 94 Palestinian Deaths in Israeli Custody Since October 2023

Report on Palestinian Deaths in Israeli Custody

A report released by Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) states that at least 94 Palestinian prisoners and detainees died in Israeli custody between October 7, 2023, and August 31, 2025. This figure represents an increase compared to the fewer than 30 Palestinian deaths recorded in Israeli custody during the preceding 10-year period.

The PHRI report, which covers a period following the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas and the subsequent conflict in Gaza, categorizes the deaths. It indicates 52 deaths occurred in military prisons and 42 in civilian jails administered by the Israel Prison Service (IPS). PHRI attributes these deaths to factors including physical violence, medical neglect, or a combination of both.

The report specifically references the Sde Teiman military prison in Southern Israel, where 29 deaths were recorded, marking the highest number among all facilities.

PHRI alleges a pattern of systematic human rights violations against Palestinians classified as "security prisoners" since the onset of the current conflict. The group claims this pattern is part of an official policy implemented by Israeli authorities, stating that incarceration facilities for Palestinians have experienced widespread daily physical violence and deprivation of human rights, leading to dozens of deaths.

The report also suggests efforts by Israeli authorities to obscure investigations into Palestinian deaths and alleged abuses in custody. It claims that family members of detainees were often not informed of deaths, and access to post-mortem examinations was denied in numerous instances. Furthermore, PHRI noted a lack of prosecution for Israeli prison staff and soldiers implicated in such cases.

A policy described as "forced disappearance" is also highlighted, where thousands of Palestinians have reportedly been detained without their families being notified of their whereabouts or status. PHRI states that Israeli authorities have ceased providing information about Palestinians in custody to the Red Cross and have restricted access to detention facilities.

In July 2024, five Israeli reservist soldiers were charged with aggravated abuse and causing serious bodily harm following an alleged incident at Sde Teiman prison. The incident reportedly involved a Palestinian prisoner being beaten and stabbed with a sharp object. The accused reservists have denied the charges. This event led to public discussion, with some right-wing politicians expressing criticism of the military police investigation.

The Israel Prison Service (IPS) stated that it "operates in accordance with the law and under the supervision of official oversight bodies," and that "all inmates are held according to legal procedures, and their rights including access to medical care, hygiene, and adequate living conditions are upheld by professionally trained staff." The IPS denied awareness of the incidents as presented by PHRI and asserted that "the claims described do not reflect the conduct or procedures of the Israel Prison Service." It confirmed that "every death in IPS custody is examined in accordance with established procedures and referred to the competent authorities as required," but declined to provide personal or statistical details due to privacy, security, and legal limitations.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated its operations comply with "Israeli and international law," and that individuals in Gaza are detained based on "reasonable suspicion of their involvement in terrorist activities." The IDF also noted that "preventive detention is enforced to remove individuals from the fighting, in full alignment with the Israeli law and the Geneva Conventions," and that "detention orders and their duration are subject to judicial review as required by law." The IDF acknowledged deaths of detainees in custody, including individuals with pre-existing illnesses or injuries, and stated that each death is investigated by military police.

PHRI's report is based on official records, data cross-referenced with forensic reports, information from other human rights groups, efforts to locate specific individuals, and testimonies from detainees, their families, and lawyers. The group estimates that the actual number of Palestinian deaths in custody could exceed the documented figure.