Israeli newspaper Haaretz released disturbing footage depicting the mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners by security guards at the Megiddo Prison in northern Israel.

The footage shows a guard running a police dog over the hands of handcuffed prisoners lying face down, with Palestinian inmates alleging that guards often beat them in areas without camera coverage.

According to Haaretz, a senior official from the Israeli Prisons Service acknowledged the presence of "severe violence" against prisoners at the facility, though the service described the procedures as "routine."

Following the release of the footage, Hamas issued a statement condemning the treatment of prisoners, calling it evidence of the "hatred and sadism" of Israeli prison guards towards Palestinians. The group claimed that more than 60 Palestinians have died in Israeli prisons due to starvation, torture, and medical neglect.

“These crimes are part of the Israeli regime’s ongoing brutal treatment of Palestinian prisoners,” the Hamas statement said, calling for international pressure on Israel to end violations against detainees. Hamas specifically urged the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and human rights organizations to document the abuses and take immediate action to stop the mistreatment of prisoners.

The reports of prisoner abuse have escalated since the outbreak of Israeli attacks on Gaza on October 7, further intensifying calls for international intervention.

The footage has sparked renewed criticism of Israel's treatment of Palestinian detainees, with calls for greater transparency and accountability in Israeli prisons. Human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concerns over conditions in Israeli detention centers, with allegations of mistreatment, torture, and medical neglect persisting for years.

Hamas concluded its statement by calling for global bodies to hold Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli leaders accountable for violations of international law concerning prisoner rights. (ILKHA)