Israel's Detention of Palestinian Prisoners: A Costly and Controversial Reality

Israel holds thousands of Palestinian prisoners, many of whom are subjected to abuse and held without charge or trial under a process known as administrative detention. The majority of these prisoners, including children, are tried in military courts where they are often deprived of defense lawyers and due process. Israel's military judicial system in the occupied territories has been criticized for its discriminatory practices, creating a two-tier legal system. Palestinian prisoners have reported beatings, torture, and restricted access to basic necessities in Israeli prisons. Children are also subjected to abuse, with a high percentage experiencing beatings, strip-searches, and injuries during their arrests.