An elderly detainee from the Gaza Strip, Nasr Zeyara, 65, has died “of systematic torture” in Israel’s Ayalon Prison in Ramla, according to rights groups. This incident brings the total number of Palestinian detainees who have died in custody since October 7 last year to 24.
The Palestinian Commission of Detainees’ Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners Club reported that Zeyara, who was arrested on December 29 last year along with his son Jihad Zeyara, passed away on August 16. They accuse the Israeli government of concealing the identities of many detainees who have died and withholding their bodies.
Zeyara, a father of seven, was detained by Israeli forces from his home in Gaza City’s Al-Tuffah neighborhood and reportedly suffered severe mistreatment, including prolonged interrogation and health complications before his death.
Rights groups have criticized Israel for the alleged brutal treatment and harsh conditions faced by detainees. The groups also claim that the Israeli government continues to withhold information about numerous detainees who have died under similar circumstances.
Since October 7, Israel’s military campaign against Gaza has resulted in nearly 40,700 Palestinian deaths and over 94,000 injuries, with severe shortages of essential resources exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Israel faces allegations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has called for a halt to military operations in the southern city of Rafah.
