Ramallah (UNA/WAFA) - The Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs revealed the suffering of prisoners in the “Gilad” camp inside Ofer prison, which is getting worse day by day, in light of the continued daily raids and restrictions on prisoners in every detail of their lives.
The lawyer for the commission explained in a statement issued today, Sunday, that the camp houses approximately 100 to 120 prisoners distributed among 12 rooms, with about 16 prisoners in each room. The prisoners suffer from a severe shortage of clothing and hygiene, as shirts and underwear are changed only once a week, while trousers are only replaced if they are torn, forcing many of them to wear the same pair for months.
The report indicated that the prisoners bathe daily with cold water and outside the rooms, using dish soap instead of shampoo, during the morning and evening "shower" periods that do not exceed twenty minutes.
Regarding food, the prisoners indicated that meals are mostly limited to bread and yogurt, with tuna or sausages being served only once a week.
The lawyer added that the sleeping conditions are harsh, with the metal beds (barsh) covered only with very thin mattresses, forcing some prisoners to sleep on the floor due to the cramped space in the rooms. Each prisoner also receives only one blanket and one towel, which are not changed for weeks and are often unclean.
The prisoners pointed out that the camp's weather is very cold due to the open iron windows that allow air and rain to enter, while raids and daily punishments are repeated for trivial reasons or for no reason at all, such as standing near the window or performing prayers in congregation.
The report explained that the prison administration punishes prisoners with solitary confinement, beatings, and electric shocks, as happened with prisoners Muhammad al-Qadi from Jalazone refugee camp and Ali Abu Atiya from Beitunia. Prisoner Sheikh Jamal al-Tawil was also sprayed with tear gas for refusing to address an officer with the word "Toda" (thank you in Hebrew).
In addition to the above, prisoners are forced to kneel during the roll call, which takes place four times a day. They are also prevented from sleeping after 6:00 AM or staying up at night. Furthermore, prisoners are handcuffed and blindfolded during visits, forcing them to walk with their heads bowed towards the ground.
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