Commission of Detainees Affairs: Systematic medical negligence towards sick detainees in Negev Prison

May 25, 2025

The Commission of Detainees’ Affairs stated in its Sunday report that its legal team has visited a number of sick detainees held in Negev Prison, to assess their health and detention conditions. The detainees are enduring extremely harsh and deteriorating circumstances, particularly since the start of the genocidal war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023.

During the visit, the lawyer met with detainee Ahmad Abu Mtawa’, 27, from the town of Tubas, who has been suffering from scabies for over a year. Despite the seriousness of his condition, he only received treatment two months ago, which failed to bring any improvement. His health has worsened further, with painful boils spreading across his body. He also suffers from general weakness, inability to walk, and impaired vision. A month ago, he fell in the bathroom and broke his nose. Moreover, he has lost nearly 30 kilograms due to malnutrition. Abu Mtawa’ has been imprisoned since July 2, 2002, and is serving a 27-year sentence.

Another case is Saleh Hamed, 41, from Silwad/Ramallah, who suffers from herniated spinal discs and severe back pain. He had also contracted scabies but has recently recovered.

The lawyer also visited Bassam Salameh from Nablus, detained since July 11, 2024, who has been struggling with an acute scabies infection and a widespread outbreak of boils since September 20, 2024. Two days before the lawyer’s visit, prison authorities provided him with minimal treatment, a single pill and two ointments. Although his condition has slightly improved, he remains far from recovery and has lost around 20 kilograms due to insufficient nutrition.

Detainee Ghassan Sheikh Qassem, 26, also from Nablus, is suffering from severe pain in his wisdom tooth. Despite repeated requests to be seen by the prison clinic or provided with pain relief, the prison administration has ignored his appeals.

Lastly, detainee Firas Dar Al-Hajj, from Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, is battling a severe case of scabies that causes intense itching and boils on his legs. His case is further complicated by the fact that he is a kidney donor, making proper treatment all the more critical. He too has lost nearly 20 kilograms due to poor medical care and malnutrition.