DaysofPal— The Palestinian Commission of Detainees’ and Ex-Detainees’ Affairs has raised alarm over the worsening outbreak of scabies among Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli Ofer prison, attributing the spread to ongoing medical neglect by prison authorities.
In a statement released on Sunday following a lawyer’s visit, the commission reported that a number of detainees have been suffering from the contagious skin disease for several months without receiving adequate treatment.
Among the cases highlighted was that of Asid Ma’rouf, a prisoner from the town of Safa near Ramallah, who has allegedly been infected for nearly five months.
According to the commission, he suffers from widespread sores and intense itching, particularly at night, with no access to medical care.
The statement also drew attention to 18-year-old Ata al-Barghouthi from Beit Rima, who is said to be enduring similar symptoms without treatment.
Quoted by the commission’s lawyer, al-Barghouthi described prison conditions as deteriorating, claiming that authorities remove mattresses during sleeping hours, forcing detainees to sleep in their clothes.
Other detainees cited include Fares Marra, held since 2022, who is reportedly experiencing severe itching linked to scabies, and Mohammad Sharaka, 18, from Jalazone refugee camp, who is said to be suffering from painful skin boils while serving a 10-month sentence without medical attention.
The commission further warned of harsh living conditions, noting that prisoners are not provided with sufficient clothing and must often go long periods without replacements unless garments are badly worn.
According to Palestinian rights groups, conditions in Israeli prisons have significantly worsened since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, with reports of increased abuses including medical neglect, physical and psychological mistreatment, strip searches, and food deprivation.
Israeli occupation is currently holding more than 9,400 Palestinian prisoners, including women and administrative detainees held without trial.
Advocacy groups say that over 23,000 arrests have been carried out since October 2023.
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