Detainees in “Megiddo” prison are enduring extremely tough conditions

November 19, 2025

The Commission of Detainees’ Affairs reported on Wednesday that minor detainees held in Megiddo Prison are living increasingly difficult humanitarian conditions, as restrictive measures and harsh treatment continue inside the facility.

During a visit by the Commission’s attorney to several detainees, the severity of the minors’ suffering was clear. Among them was Ahed Mahmoud Salman (17), from the town of Qusin, who has been held under administrative detention since July. He is placed in a section with eight detainees, some of whom are infected with scabies due to overcrowding and insufficient medical care, which has caused painful boils for several detainees.

The attorney also met with detainee Kareem Salim Saba’aneh (16), from Jenin, who is scheduled to appear in court in early January. Although his condition has improved after having scabies, he and eight others held in the same room have been denied access to the outdoor yard without any reason, in addition to facing a shortage of clothing and poor-quality food.

Meanwhile, detainee Mohammad Jumaa Zbeidat (17), from Jericho, is experiencing serious health concerns, including severe tooth and ear pain that prevents him from sleeping. He has also lost ten kilograms due to inadequate nutrition provided in the prison.

The detainees who spoke to the attorney reported frequent transfers within the prison and the relocation of many administrative detainees to Ketziot and Ofer prisons. They also highlighted that bright lights remain on inside the rooms around the clock, adding to their physical and psychological strain.
These accounts offer a glimpse into the harsh and degrading conditions that detainees, particularly minors, are forced to endure.

The suffering of detainee Mujahid Akkoub (30) has escalated as well. He was injured by two bullets that damaged his right hand and the vein in his foot. Despite undergoing two surgeries, he continues to struggle with severe pain in his hand and back. The prison administration has stopped providing adequate pain medication, giving him only painkillers, and the cold weather has worsened his discomfort.

Detainee Ihab Shouli (39) also told the attorney that he has lost weight and is suffering from scabies, noting that prison sections are frequently raided while detainees are away on visits.

A few weeks ago, the prison administration removed all storage cabinets from the cells, forcing detainees to keep their belongings under their beds. Despite the cold temperatures, winter blankets have not been provided.
The minor detainee Yamen Al-Darbi (15) remains infected with scabies and is held in Section 6 of Megiddo prison, which lacks even the minimum standards of living conditions and medical care.