Two Palestinian female prisoners, Basma Saad, 20, and Sally Sadaqa, 17, are facing worsening health conditions and alleged mistreatment at Israel’s Damon Prison, including solitary confinement, physical assaults and inadequate medical care, the Asra Media Office has reported.

The office said the prisoners were also experiencing shortages of hygiene supplies, the spread of scabies, restrictions on showering and reduced time outside their cells, raising serious concerns about their health and treatment in detention.

Saad has lost approximately 17 kilograms during nearly eight months in detention and suffers from stomach pain, skin allergies and a scabies infection that has caused boils to develop on her leg and near her eye, according to the office.

On October 8, Israeli prison authorities placed Saad in solitary confinement after she intervened to assist another female prisoner who was experiencing health problems. The office said she had not been informed when her isolation would end.

The reported conditions have heightened concerns over the treatment of Palestinian women held in Israeli prisons, particularly prisoners suffering from medical problems who require timely examination and treatment.

Sadaqa, 17, who has been detained for approximately 22 months, suffered severe breathing difficulties and temporarily lost consciousness after inhaling gas during a raid on her prison section on October 7, the Asra Media Office said.

The following day, she was allegedly struck forcefully on the head.

According to the office, Sadaqa continues to suffer from chest pain, persistent coughing and widespread skin irritation. Despite undergoing several medical examinations, her condition has shown no significant improvement.

The office called for urgent medical intervention, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and appropriate treatment for Sadaqa following the reported gas exposure and assault.

The Asra Media Office urged relevant authorities and human rights organisations to intervene immediately to protect Palestinian female prisoners and address the reported violations at Damon Prison.

It called for Saad’s release from solitary confinement, an end to reported assaults against prisoners, and access to adequate medical care for both women.

The office also demanded that essential medicines, medical treatment and hygiene supplies be provided, alongside regular access to lawyers.

It further called for the reported incidents to be documented and pursued through legal channels to ensure accountability and protect the prisoners’ fundamental rights.

The reported cases have renewed concerns over the treatment of Palestinian detainees and the need to ensure that prisoners, including minors, are protected from abuse and receive appropriate healthcare while in custody. (ILKHA)