November 20, 2024

Nearly four decades ago, young Samih Alawi became involved in resisting Israeli occupation during the outbreak of the First Intifada. This marked the beginning of his long journey with arrests, which ultimately ended in his martyrdom in Israeli prisons—shackled and subjected to medical neglect.

Last Friday morning, the announcement of Alawi’s passing came at the age of 61, following his battle with cancer and the systematic medical negligence he endured in Israeli detention.

A week before his death, Alawi’s health deteriorated significantly while he was imprisoned in the Negev prison. He was transferred to a hospital unconscious.

Through a recently released prisoner, Alawi’s family learned of his deteriorating condition. The freed prisoner handed over Alawi’s pants and shirt to his family, signaling that Alawi felt his end was near, as cancer had spread throughout his body while prison authorities delayed his treatment.

The released prisoner confirmed that the prison administration only allowed Alawi to be taken to the hospital shortly before his death. By then, Alawi had lost over 40 kilograms of his weight, which had been over 110 kilograms before his last arrest in October 2023.

Alawi had undergone several surgeries, including the removal of part of his intestines after being diagnosed with a benign tumor. He was scheduled for another surgery in December 2023, but his treatment was interrupted following his arrest, worsening his condition to the point where he could no longer eat even small amounts of food.

Before his passing, Alawi told his lawyer about the repeated mistreatment and assaults he endured, particularly during his transfers to the clinic. He was always shackled and denied any medical treatment since his arrest, despite advocacy from human rights organizations pressing for his medical care.

Alawi's journey with imprisonment began in 1988, consuming over 10 years of his life in separate intervals, in addition to nearly four years spent in Palestinian Authority prisons.

During his time in prison, Alawi was known for his humility and service to his fellow prisoners. Former detainees described him as someone who never hesitated to help others.

Freed prisoner Fouad Al-Khuffash shared, “Samih was always eager to serve his brothers without arrogance or hesitation. He would tirelessly prepare food alone for the others, from breakfast to the main meal, without complaint or expecting gratitude. He considered it his duty. While serving, he would crack jokes and smile, lightening the mood and lifting the spirits of his fellow detainees.”