Former Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, known as a right-wing politician, recently boasts controversial actions taken against Palestinian prisoners in KTZI’OT prison, Negev desert. In the upload on platform X last Monday, Ben-Gvir said that the prisoners were forced to kneel under the gunships and repaint the cell walls that were previously decorated with slogans such as “Jerusalem Arab” and “we will not forget, we will not forgive , we will not knelt down. “
Ben-Gvirwho also led the right -wing party of Otzma Yehudit (Jewish forces), claiming that this action was carried out in response to the “prison inscription” written by Palestinian prisoners. He even uploaded a video showing the moment of prisoners forced to paint the wall while the prison guard directed the weapon at them. This action has drawn criticism from various parties, mainly because it is considered a form of insult and systematic violence against Palestinian prisoners.
Blockade of Prisoned Liberation Despite Hamas Obedient
Although Hamas Has fulfilled his obligations in a ceasefire agreement, Israel actually blocked the release of around 620 Palestinian prisoners who should have been released last Saturday. The ceasefire agreement and the exchange of prisoners, which began on January 19, consisted of three stages with a duration of 42 days each. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed the conversation for the second phase, which should have begun on February 3.
The first phase of this agreement has resulted in the release of 29 Israeli prisoners (of the 33 planned) and four bodies, instead of 1,755 Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel’s actions that block prisoners’ exemption Palestine raise a serious question about their commitment in carrying out the agreement.
Systematic torture and psychological insults
Reports from Israeli media, including Yedioth Ahronoth and Maariv, revealed that Palestinian prisoners are often victims of systematic torture and psychological insults. Last Saturday, the prisoner to be released was forced to wear a white shirt with a verse from the Torah, which reads, “I chased my enemy and defeated them; I didn’t turn around until they were destroyed. ” This verse is taken from Psalm 18:37 and is considered an effort to demean the dignity of prisoners.
In addition, prisoners’ identification bracelets are also modified with phrases that confirm Israel’s superiority, such as “Abadi people never forget. I chased my enemies and defeated them. ” This action is not the first time. Previously, the released Palestinian prisoner was also forced to wear a shirt with a picture of Daud and slogans that demean.
Different treatment from Hamas
In contrast to Israel’s treatment, Hamas is known to provide human treatment of Israeli prisoners. During the first prisoner exchange in November 2023, Israeli prisoners who were released claimed to receive good treatment, even some of them were given prizes before being handed over to the Red Cross. This difference increasingly highlights injustice in the treatment of prisoners from both parties.
Impact of war and international demands
Gaza’s ceasefire and detainee exchange agreement had indeed temporarily stopped the war that killed nearly 48,350 people, most of them were women and children. However, this conflict has left Gaza in a state of destroyed and triggered international demands against Israel. Last November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) even issued an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.