RAMALLAH, November 15, 2024 (WAFA) – Two Palestinian prisoners, Sameeh Eleiwi from Nablus and Anwar Esleem from Gaza, have been confirmed dead in Israeli prisons, according to the Palestinian Prisoners' Society and the Palestinian Prisoners Affairs Commission.

Elewi, 61, from Nablus, passed away on November 6, 2024, six days after being transferred from the Ramleh Prison clinic to the Assaf Harofeh Hospital. He had been imprisoned at Ramleh following his detention in October 2023. His death was not immediately announced by Israeli authorities, despite their obligation to inform the public.

Esleem, 44, from Gaza, died on November 14, 2024, while being transferred from the Negev Prison to the Soroka Hospital. His health had deteriorated rapidly in the days leading to his death.

Both men were suffering from serious medical conditions that were exacerbated by their imprisonment. Eleiwi had a history of health problems, including a benign tumor in his intestines, which had necessitated several surgeries. His family and legal representatives noted that he had been awaiting further surgery when he was arrested. 

Despite his declining health, he was subjected to harsh treatment, including shackling during medical transfers, which worsened his condition. According to a visit conducted by a lawyer from the PACC in August 2024, Eleiwi had lost over 40 kilograms, was unable to eat properly, and had not received adequate medical treatment throughout his detention.

Esleem, who had been detained since December 2023, had no prior health issues before his detention, according to his family. His death followed a rapid deterioration of his health, particularly after he was denied adequate medical attention in the Israeli prisons.

Both Eleiwi and Esleem had endured multiple incarcerations by Israeli forces, with Eleiwi having spent a total of nearly ten years in Israeli prisons since 1988. He was married and fathered nine children. Esleem, who was married with four children, had also faced numerous detentions during his life.

The PACC and the Palestinian Prisoners' Society condemned the deaths as part of Israel’s ongoing policy of slow death against Palestinian prisoners, who continue to include torture, medical negligence, and systematic deprivation of basic needs. These policies have led to the deaths of dozens of Palestinian prisoners over the years. 

The groups also called for international accountability and an end to Israel's treatment of Palestinian detainees, which violate human rights and international law.

Both organizations have called these deaths a continuation of a decades-long pattern of abuse against Palestinian prisoners, where denial of medical care, physical abuse, and extreme conditions are used by Israeli occupation authorities as tools of collective punishment.

M.N