DaysofPal- As the world marks International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, the plight of 21 Palestinian women detained in Israeli prisons remains a stark reminder of ongoing human rights violations.
According to a report issued by Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, these women endure severe conditions that lack basic health care and humanitarian standards, raising concerns about systematic abuse and medical neglect.
A Grim Reality for Palestinian Women in Detention
Of the 21 female prisoners currently held in Damon Prison, 12 are mothers, including one who is pregnant. Among them are seven patients—one battling cancer—seven teachers, four university students, two administrative detainees, and two sentenced prisoners.
The group also includes a journalist, a wounded prisoner, and a minor child. Their stories highlight the multifaceted struggles faced by Palestinian women under occupation.
Addameer’s report reveals harrowing details of how these women are subjected to torture, humiliation, and ill-treatment at the hands of Israeli occupation forces.
Since 1967, approximately 14,000 Palestinian women have been arrested, with intensified campaigns following October 7, 2023. During this period, more than 490 women were detained—a record high—targeting not only activists but also wives of prisoners, elderly mothers over seventy years old, and even minors.
Arrest Tactics and Abuse
Women are often apprehended from their homes during nighttime raids, while crossing checkpoints, or directly off the streets. These operations frequently involve police dogs used to intimidate families and destroy property.
Once arrested, they are blindfolded, handcuffed, and transferred via military vehicles where they face further mistreatment, including physical violence and verbal abuse.
One alarming trend highlighted in the report is the use of women as hostages to pressure family members sought by Israeli authorities. This policy has escalated significantly since late 2023, contributing to widespread fear and trauma within Palestinian communities.
Systematic Violations Inside Prisons
Inside Damon Israeli Prison, conditions remain dire. Female prisoners suffer from overcrowding, forcing some to sleep on floors due to insufficient beds. They endure shortages of clothing and blankets, exacerbated by harsh winter weather.
Many wear the same clothes for extended periods without access to clean replacements.
Medical negligence stands out as a particularly egregious issue. Injured or sick prisoners often receive delayed or inadequate treatment, putting their lives at risk.
For instance, injured detainees are sometimes transferred to prison before fully recovering, worsening their conditions.
The report cites the case of a female prisoner who was conditioned on anonymity; she was arrested on May 1, 2025. She recounted sleeping on the floor without bedding, enduring prolonged interrogations, and being physically assaulted during transport. Threats of violence and actual beatings marked her journey into detention, underscoring the pervasive climate of fear and intimidation.
Targeting Minors and Enforced Disappearances
Minors have not been spared from these oppressive measures. Dozens of young girls have been arrested over the years, many experiencing similar abuses documented among adult detainees.
Additionally, women from Gaza Strip face unique challenges, including enforced disappearances and bans on lawyer visits, leading to double isolation.
After the Israeli ground invasion of Gaza, numerous women were detained and transferred to facilities like Damon Prison. Testimonies reveal instances of rape threats, strip searches, harassment, and verbal abuse by soldiers.
Some detainees remain unaccounted for, with their fates concealed by Israeli occupation despite repeated calls for transparency.
Calls for Action
Addameer emphasizes that these practices constitute war crimes and demand immediate intervention from international bodies.
The organization urges contracting states to the Fourth Geneva Convention to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws. It further calls for the unconditional release of all female prisoners, stressing that their detention under such conditions amounts to arbitrary imprisonment.
As global celebrations honor women’s achievements, the struggle of Palestinian female prisoners serves as a sobering reminder of the work still needed to achieve justice and equality worldwide. Their resilience in the face of adversity inspires solidarity movements advocating for an end to systemic oppression and the restoration of fundamental freedoms.
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