Ramallah: 14 Palestinian mothers are currently held in Israeli prisons, deprived of the right to be with their children, according to a joint statement marking the Arab Mother’s Day. The statement highlights the dire conditions faced by Palestinian mothers detained by Israeli forces.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, the statement was released by the Palestinian Prisoners Society, the Palestinian Detainees’ Committee, and the Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association. It emphasized that the 14 mothers, along with 25 other Palestinian women detainees, continue to suffer in harsh conditions in Israeli jails, with their children losing the opportunity to be nurtured and comforted by them. The organizations noted that the recent months have been particularly brutal for Palestinian women, with violations escalating dramatically in tandem with the ongoing conflict.
The joint statement further reveals that since the start of the ongoing war in Gaza, Israel has detained around 500 Palestinian women, many of whom are mothers. Some women were detained as hostages to pressure other family members into surrendering, highlighting the extent of Israeli efforts to control the population. Detention often occurs during night raids, leading to scenes of emotional and physical trauma for families.
After their detention, Palestinian women are transferred to Israeli interrogation centers where they endure further abuse. They are forced to stand for long hours under inhumane conditions, deprived of food, sleep, and basic human dignity. Many face threats of violence to coerce confessions and are denied legal representation, exacerbating their emotional and psychological distress.
Most Palestinian women prisoners are held in Damon Prison, notorious for its harsh conditions. Since October 7, 2023, the situation has worsened, with female prisoners facing continuous abuse, including solitary confinement and physical mistreatment. The prisoners are stripped of personal belongings and denied basic rights, such as communication with their families.
The Israeli authorities have also implemented a hunger-strike strategy by denying adequate food supplies, providing only meager, low-quality meals. Medical neglect is rampant, with detainees deprived of necessary care. Overcrowded conditions add to their suffering, forcing many to sleep on the cold floor without adequate clothing or bedding, especially during the cold winter months.