Escalation of Hostile and Retaliatory Policies Against Palestinian Female Prisoners in Damon Prison

December 8, 2024

The Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs has warned of escalating hostile and retaliatory policies implemented by Damon Prison authorities against Palestinian female prisoners. The prisoners face unethical and inhumane treatment from prison guards, who aim to inflict both physical and psychological harm.

The Commission reported that recent visits by its legal team to Damon Prison documented the severity of ongoing crimes committed by the prison administration. Psychological torture is notably prevalent, including continuous threats of rape, strip searches, verbal abuse, physical assault, starvation, and the persistent denial of essential supplies such as blankets, clothing, cleaning materials, sanitizers, and women’s hygiene products. Prison authorities also ignore the prisoners' medical needs, showing extreme arbitrariness in providing medication and medical care.

The Commission further highlighted that collective punishment is frequently enforced. Female prisoners are often denied access to showers, confined to their rooms, and barred from outdoor breaks. Any attempt by prisoners to question or communicate with prison officers can trigger violent raids, assaults, and humiliation targeting all detainees.

The Commission calls on women’s organizations, associations, and local, regional, and international unions to take coordinated and effective action to expose the ongoing violations against Palestinian female prisoners. A unified women’s advocacy effort could generate public pressure, potentially leading to real change and an end to the occupation’s retaliatory policies against Palestinian women.