Palestinian Detainee Death Toll Reaches 328 Since 1967

The Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs announced that 328 Palestinians have died in Israeli prisons since 1967. This updated figure follows the confirmed death of Ihab Mohammad Abdul Qader Diab, a 36-year-old Gaza Strip resident who was detained on December 12, 2023. The Israel Prisons Service informed the commission of Diab's death on Sunday, noting it likely occurred around September 18, 2024, after nine months of custody.

While the Israel Prisons Service attributed Diab's death to a health condition, his family and the Prisoners’ Ministry of Gaza rejected the claim, stating he had no known illnesses upon detention. The ministry held the Israeli government and prison administration responsible, alleging medical neglect, brutal conditions, and torture. Palestinian officials are now calling for an international investigation and the return of Diab's body.

The commission reported that 91 Palestinians have died in custody since October 7, 2023, including 53 from the Gaza Strip. It accused Israeli authorities of maintaining a policy of enforced disappearance and withholding information regarding detainees who allegedly died under torture. These developments occur as the rights group HaMoked reports that Israel holds nearly 8,000 security prisoners, with over 3,000 held in administrative detention without formal charges.