Palestinian Prisoner Dies from 'Systematic Torture' in Israeli Custody, Say Rights Groups
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A Palestinian man from Gaza has died under "systematic torture" in an Israeli prison, raising the death toll of Palestinian detainees since October to 24.
The Palestinian Commission of Detainees' Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners Club confirmed the death of Nasr Zeyara, 65, in Ramla prison on August 16.
"Zeyara is one of many prisoners from Gaza who have died due to systematic torture, and the occupation continues to conceal the identities of the majority of them and withhold their bodies," the groups stated.
Zeyara was arrested on December 29 last year, alongside his son Jihad Zeyara, who remains detained in Negev prison, according to the family.
The rights groups reported that other prisoners in Ramla prison noted Zeyara was transferred there a week before his death and was suffering from severe health issues, including burns on the lower part of his body.
Zeyara, a married father of seven, was apprehended by Israeli forces from his home in Gaza City's Al-Tuffah neighborhood. The family detailed that both Zeyara and his son endured hours of intense interrogation before being taken into custody.
The rights groups emphasized that Zeyara's death is part of a larger pattern, noting that 24 Palestinian detainees have died since October 7, the start of Israeli genocidal war against Gaza.
They accused Israel of withholding the identities of many deceased prisoners and of conducting field executions against detainees.
The groups held Israel "fully responsible" for Zeyara's death, citing the harsh conditions and brutal treatment he endured in custody.
Israeli prison authorities have classified 1,584 detainees as "unlawful combatants," while Israeli media reports suggest over 4,500 Palestinians are currently detained.
Israel's military offensive on Gaza has continued despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire.
Local health authorities report nearly 40,700 Palestinians have died, mostly women and children, with over 94,000 injured. The ongoing blockade has led to severe shortages of essential supplies, leaving much of Gaza in ruins.
The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to halt military operations in Rafah, where over one million Palestinians had sought refuge before the area was invaded on May 6.