Jerusalem: The Palestinian Prisoner's Society stated on Sunday that Israeli authorities have intensified abuses against female Palestinian detainees in Damon prison through systematic repression raids.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, the organization revealed that Damon prison currently houses the majority of the 88 Palestinian female detainees, alongside others in interrogation and detention centers. The detainees include two girls and three women who are in the early stages of pregnancy, recently detained on charges of 'incitement' as defined by Israeli authorities.
The Prisoner's Society reported that testimonies from detainees within the prison and those recently released indicate that Israeli prison repression units conducted at least ten raids during March and April 2026. These raids involved severe beatings, forcing detainees to lie on the ground with their hands tied behind their backs, and assaults by prison guards, causing injuries and bruises to several women.
The statement detailed the raids occurring on February 28, March 5, March 10, March 17, March 30, April 1, April 3, April 17, April 21, and April 23. Alongside these raids, Israeli authorities have increased the use of solitary confinement against female detainees, with at least six women subjected to isolation, some for periods exceeding two weeks.
Female detainees also reported severe overcrowding inside prison cells amid ongoing detention campaigns, with some cells now housing more than ten detainees, forcing many to sleep on the floor. The Prisoner's Society highlighted that hunger policies have become a prevalent form of abuse, particularly during Israeli holidays, with one detainee reportedly losing around 30 kilograms after several months in detention.
The statement further noted that detainees confirmed the continued use of strip searches, especially during transfers to Hasharon prison or upon arrival at Damon prison, describing these searches as degrading and humiliating. Additionally, the organization reported that several detainees suffer from chronic illnesses, including two women diagnosed with cancer who are being denied medical treatment as their health conditions worsen.
According to the Prisoner's Society, most female detainees are held either over alleged 'incitement' charges or under administrative detention, without charges or trial, based on what Israeli authorities describe as secret evidence.