Palestinian detainee Saber Al-Amital dies in Israeli custody

Palestinian detainee Saber Al-Amital from the Negev region has reportedly died in Israeli custody, Palestinian rights groups announced on Sunday, calling for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

According to family members, Al-Amital had no known pre-existing medical conditions before his arrest earlier this month.

Al-Amital was detained by Israeli authorities on 4June and was interrogated by Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, according to Palestinian sources.

The sources said he was denied access to legal counsel during his detention.

According to information provided by his family, Al-Amital appeared before a court the day after his arrest and told the judge that he was in good health. The court subsequently approved extending his detention until June 11 on the basis of what it described as reasonable suspicions.

No official Israeli statement regarding the cause of death was immediately available.

The Prisoners’ Media Office affiliated with Hamas issued a statement mourning Al-Amital and holding Israeli prison authorities responsible for his death.

The office called for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and demanded accountability for those found responsible.

It also urged international organizations and human rights bodies to open an independent inquiry and take steps to ensure greater protection for Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons.

According to Palestinian prisoner advocacy groups, Al-Amital’s death raises the number of Palestinian detainees who have died in Israeli custody since October 2023 to 91.

The case is likely to add to ongoing concerns raised by Palestinian organizations regarding detention conditions, access to medical care and the treatment of prisoners in Israeli custody.