Ref: 89/2023
Date: 20 August 2023
Time: 10:00 GMT

This morning, the Ministry of Interior in Gaza announced the death of detainee (N. ‘A.) (67), who was transferred from Gaza Rehabilitation and Reform Center to al-Shifa Hospital at midnight after his health condition deteriorated due to heart disease.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) calls on the Public Prosecution to take necessary steps to ensure that the prison service complies with the law and safety standards for detainees. PCHR also urges ensuring that detention conditions meet relevant international standards, including providing adequate health care and pursuing necessary legal proceedings.

The deceased detainee, from Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, had been imprisoned since 2015. On 03 July 2021, the Military Court of Cassation issued a death sentence against him on charges of collaboration with a hostile entity, pending ratification by the Palestinian President. According to PCHR’s information, the detainee suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes.

This death marks the third prisoner to die in custody this year in the Gaza Strip. Previously, detainee (‘A. L.), from Deir al-Balah, who was detained on financial grounds, died at the Military Police Station after being transferred to al-Shifa Hospital on 01 May due to asthma. Additionally, on 20 April, detainee (M. S.) (43), from Rafah, died after being transferred from Rafah Police Station to Abu Yousef al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah due to health complications while under interrogation.

PCHR stresses that deaths in prisons and detention centers must be thoroughly investigated by the Public Prosecution to determine the circumstances and ensure transparency by publishing the results to the public.