Palestinians living in hell: MEMO in Conversation with Shai Parnes

Middle East Monitor Conversations

Palestinians who have been released from Israeli detention since October 2023 have reported systematic abuse, torture and sexual assault, join us as we discuss the implications of Israel's degrading treatment of Palestinians and why it has intensified such measures over the past few months.
Israeli rights group B'Tselem published a harrowing new report, "Welcome to Hell: The Israeli Prison System as a Network of Torture Camps", which provides testimonies from 55 Palestinian prisoners and exposes the shocking reality of systematic abuse, torture and dehumanisation within Israeli detention facilities since 7 October 2023. Joining us to discuss the report and how life has changed for Palestinians living under occupation since October is B'Tselem's spokesperson, Shai Parnes.

Parnes provides a stark overview of the dramatic increase in Palestinian prisoners, including men, women and children, many held without charge or trial. We look into the horrific conditions Palestinian detainees face, from severe overcrowding and denial of basic necessities to physical and sexual violence. The conversation also explores how this mass incarceration system fits into Israel's broader apartheid regime and its devastating impact on Palestinian society.
Parnes sheds light on the disturbing accounts of organised tours for the Israeli public showcasing prisoner abuse and the chilling role of special forces units within the prisons and the legal implications of these practices under international law.