Israel Confirms Death of Palestinian Detainee Nearly Two Years After His Detention

Israeli authorities have confirmed the death of a Palestinian detainee from Gaza nearly two years after he died in Israeli custody, according to the Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs.

The detainee, Ihab Mohammed Abdel Qader Diab, 36, was arrested on December 12, 2023. Palestinian officials believe he died around September 18, 2024, after spending approximately nine months in detention.

Israeli authorities reportedly attributed Diab’s death to an underlying health condition. However, his family has rejected the claim, saying he was in good health and had no known illness when he was detained.

Palestinian officials have alleged that Diab was subjected to torture, medical neglect and harsh detention conditions. They have called for an independent international investigation into his death, the return of his remains to his family and clarification of the fate of other Palestinians detained from Gaza.

The commission said Diab’s death brings the number of Palestinians who have died in Israeli custody since 1967 to 328, including 91 deaths since October 7, 2023. It said 53 of those deaths involved detainees from Gaza.

The case comes amid increased international scrutiny of Israel’s detention system, where thousands of Palestinians are held without formal charges or trial.

According to Israeli human rights organisation HaMoked, Israel was holding nearly 8,000 security prisoners as of August, including about 3,198 people in administrative detention, under orders that can be renewed indefinitely.

Palestinian authorities say the circumstances surrounding Diab’s death highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability over the treatment of Palestinian detainees.

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