RAMALLAH, May 10, 2026 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society said on Sunday that Israeli authorities have escalated their abuses against female Palestinian detainees held in Damon prison, particularly through intensified and systematic repression raids.
In a statement, the organization said Damon prison currently holds the majority of the 88 Palestinian female detainees, in addition to others being held in interrogation and detention centers.
Among the detainees are two girls and three women in the early months of pregnancy who were recently detained over what Israeli authorities describe as “incitement,” according to the statement.
The Prisoner’s Society said testimonies from detainees inside the prison and women recently released indicated that Israeli prison repression units carried out at least ten raids during March and April 2026. The raids involved severe beatings, forcing detainees to lie on the ground with their hands tied behind their backs, and assaults by prison guards while in that position, causing injuries and bruises to several women.
According to the statement, the raids took place on February 28, March 5, March 10, March 17, March 30, April 1, April 3, April 17, April 21, and April 23.
The organization added that alongside the prison raids, Israeli authorities have intensified the use of solitary confinement against female detainees, with at least six women subjected to isolation, some for periods exceeding two weeks.
Female detainees also reported severe overcrowding inside prison cells amid ongoing detention campaigns, with some cells now holding more than ten detainees, forcing many to sleep on the floor.
The Prisoner’s Society said hunger policies have become one of the most prominent forms of abuse reported by detainees, particularly during Israeli holidays. It noted that one detainee lost around 30 kilograms after several months in detention.
The statement further said detainees confirmed the continued use of strip searches, especially during transfers to Hasharon prison or upon arrival at Damon prison, describing the searches as degrading and humiliating.
The organization also reported that several detainees suffer from chronic illnesses, including two women diagnosed with cancer who are being denied medical treatment as their health conditions continue to deteriorate.
According to the Prisoner’s Society, most of the female detainees are being held either over alleged “incitement” charges or under administrative detention, without charges or trial, based on what Israeli authorities describe as secret evidence.
M.N
