Accra:Israeli human rights organizations have reported that 22 Palestinian prisoners were shot at close range in Israeli detention centers.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, Physicians for Human Rights Israel and the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel documented the incidents through testimonies from attorneys, prisoners' families, and released prisoners. These testimonies highlight the use of rubber or plastic bullets inside prison wings across seven facilities, including Ofer, Ganot, Ktzi'ot, Gilboa, Megido, Nitzan, and Eshel.
Medical records show severe injuries in at least two cases. In June 2026, a 45-year-old prisoner was taken to Soroka Medical Center after being involved in an incident of rubber-bullet fire, resulting in multiple injuries, including a crushed right testicle that required surgical removal. Another prisoner suffered a leg fracture from close-range shooting, necessitating hospitalization and surgery at Soroka.
Several prisoners reported inadequate medical care following injuries to their legs, abdomen, pelvis, and hands. Some incidents occurred during protests or distress episodes, with guards reportedly firing during such events. One prisoner at Ofer protested against the lack of scabies treatment and was shot and tasered when demanding medication. Another prisoner at Nitzan was struck by rubber bullets during a panic attack.
The rights groups have called on the attorney general and senior prison officials to halt the "uncontrolled use of projectiles" and to disclose information about the weapons and regulations governing their use. They argue that these actions violate regulations that restrict weapons use to specified situations and mandate that force be proportionate and a last resort.
Muhannad Abu Ghosh from Physicians for Human Rights Israel noted an escalation in shootings, stating that this practice is becoming routine and results in severe injuries requiring medical intervention. Merav Ben-Zeev from the Public Committee Against Torture criticized the prison service for its lack of transparency and questioned whether non-lethal means are considered when dealing with Palestinian prisoners. She indicated that further action might be pursued in response to the ongoing shootings.