Palestinian Prisoners’ Affairs Office Condemns Israeli Security Minister Ben-Gvir’s Raid on Ofer Prison
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Affairs Office released a strongly worded declaration condemning the recent incursion of Israeli Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir into Ofer Prison as the start of the blessed month of Ramadan approaches. The office stated that the minister’s visit was accompanied by oppressive actions and humiliating behavior directed at the Palestinian prisoners held there.
The Palestinian institution characterized Ben-Gvir’s action as a dangerous and tension-escalating move that sends a message of vengeance, specifically targeting the dignity and morale of the Palestinian detainees. This conduct, according to the statement, reflects the continuation of a policy of repression and criminality practiced within the prisons of the Zionist regime.
Furthermore, the Prisoners’ Affairs Office viewed the raid as part of broader efforts to push for the passage of the so-called “Prisoners’ Execution Law.” They warned that this process represents a perilous attempt to institutionalize more extremist policies against Palestinian prisoners and place their lives in jeopardy. These actions, the office noted, are occurring amid a clear absence of international accountability or deterrence.
The office urgently called for a unified national Palestinian stance, demanding immediate media, diplomatic, and legal action across Arab and global nations to rescue Palestinian prisoners from the crimes perpetrated by the Israeli regime. They stressed the necessity of intensifying solidarity campaigns and support for Palestinian detainees based on the Geneva Conventions and international law.
Minister Ben-Gvir conducted his provocative raid on Ofer Prison, located near Ramallah, on Friday, which reportedly involved the harassment of Palestinian prisoners. Ben-Gvir is known for releasing offensive videos targeting Palestinian detainees and issuing death threats against them.
The extremist minister has repeatedly taken pride in escalating restrictions against Palestinian prisoners across Israeli correctional facilities. Since Ben-Gvir assumed his post in late 2022, the conditions for Palestinian prisoners have reportedly deteriorated significantly, with reports indicating noticeable weight loss among the incarcerated population.
As of February 5, 2024, over 9,300 Palestinians, including 350 children, are being held in Israeli jails. Palestinian, Israeli, and international bodies have repeatedly issued warnings concerning the torture of Palestinian prisoners within Israeli facilities—a practice that has intensified significantly since October 2023, coinciding with the ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’ operation in Gaza.
