• At least 94 Palestinians have died in Israeli detention since October 2023.
• Reports suggest deaths are due to physical violence, medical neglect, and malnutrition.
• Most fatalities are Palestinian civilians, with a disproportionate number from Gaza.
• Human rights group PHRI calls for independent investigations into these deaths.
• Israeli authorities face criticism for lack of accountability in detention facilities.

Reports indicate that at least 94 Palestinians have died in Israeli prisons since October 2023, with many deaths attributed to systematic abuse and neglect, according to the Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI). Their findings also suggest that the actual number of fatalities could be significantly higher, particularly among those detained during the ongoing Gaza conflict. This alarming situation has prompted calls for an independent investigation into the conditions and circumstances surrounding these fatalities, as noted by PHRI's director, Naji Abbas, who described the situation as one "that has lost all moral and professional restraint," according to Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye.

The recent surge in deaths includes at least 68 individuals from Gaza, while the remainder comes from the West Bank and Palestinian citizens of Israel. Many of the reported fatalities are consistent with physical abuse—evidence of which includes bruises and fractures indicative of severe mistreatment, as well as medical negligence and severe malnutrition among the detainees. This pattern of deaths stands in stark contrast to the previous decade, during which fewer than 30 deaths were reported in Israeli custody, according to Middle East Eye and CBS News.

The Israeli military and prison authorities have been criticized for their handling of the situation, particularly for denying basic information about detainees and their health status. Following allegations of extrajudicial killings and maltreatment, including within military prisons, many families learned about the deaths of their loved ones through media reports rather than official channels. The apparent lack of accountability is alarming, with no known legal actions taken against individuals responsible for these deaths, as highlighted by reports from both Al Jazeera and CBS News.

Furthermore, PHRI's report indicated that Israeli prison authorities have engaged in practices that could be construed as forced disappearances, as many detainees' information has been withheld, making it difficult to track their conditions and ensure their welfare. The organization estimates that approximately 9,250 Palestinians are currently detained across various facilities, with many still unaccounted for since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, according to Middle East Eye and CBS News.

PHRI has delivered its findings through a combination of forensic reports, testimony from relatives of detainees, and data collected through formal inquiries to Israeli authorities. Despite the evident rise in mortality amidst deteriorating conditions, Israeli officials maintain their adherence to laws and regulations concerning the treatment of prisoners, while simultaneously facing intensified scrutiny from international human rights advocates, as reported by Al Jazeera and CBS News.