Elham Asaad Buaras
A leading Palestinian human rights organization has warned that Israel is escalating the arrest and abuse of Palestinian women, with 52 currently imprisoned amid what it calls systematic violations.
In a statement issued on January 8, the Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) stated that five women were detained in the first week of January alone, including a journalist and two former detainees.
It reports that over 650 women have been arrested since Israel’s military offensive in Gaza began in October 2023, targeting women of all ages across occupied territories.
According to the PPS, many arrests are based on vague or political grounds, often for alleged “incitement” linked to social media posts—a charge rights groups say is used to criminalize political speech. The group also alleges Israel is increasingly arresting women to pressure male relatives to surrender.
Sixteen of the detained women are held under administrative detention, which allows imprisonment without charge or trial based on secret evidence, with orders renewable every six months.
Most female detainees are held at Israel’s Damon Prison, criticised by rights organizations. The PPS reports abuses including physical and sexual assault, degrading treatment, isolation, food deprivation, denial of medical care, and psychological pressure. A December 2025 account described a violent raid where guards forced women into a yard, removed their headscarves, assaulted them, and used dogs and stun grenades.
International investigations corroborate these abuses. Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor collected testimonies from detained women in Gaza describing severe beatings, forced undressing, and torture. A UN inquiry documented sexual humiliation and received reports of rape.
The PPS states this treatment violates international law and urges international bodies to act. A new media and legal initiative launched in January aims to expose these alleged systemic crimes.
Currently, Israel holds over 9,300 Palestinian prisoners. Since the Gaza war began, dozens from Gaza have been detained without disclosure of their whereabouts, raising fears of enforced disappearance.
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