Palestinian prisoners’ office says detained doctor beaten in presence of Ben Gvir

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Information Office said on Tuesday that detained physician Marwan al-Hams was beaten and physically restrained at Israel’s Ganot detention facility on 7th October in the presence of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, leaving him with fractures and severe back pain.

In a statement, the office said Al-Hams had been subjected to physical assault and intimidation during Ben Gvir’s visit to the detention facility.

It said the physician had resisted provocations by the minister and remained committed to his professional and humanitarian responsibilities toward sick and injured detainees despite the mistreatment he faced.

According to the office, Al-Hams is suffering from fractures and severe back pain resulting from the assault and urgently requires medical examination and treatment.

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The office described the measures taken against Palestinian detainees at Ganot on 7th October as among the most severe incidents of mistreatment involving prisoners from the Gaza Strip.

It said the incident formed part of a broader pattern of alleged abuses against Palestinians held in Israeli detention facilities.

The office called for urgent international intervention to protect Al-Hams and other Palestinian prisoners and detainees, ensure their access to necessary medical treatment and prevent further assaults.

It also held Israeli authorities responsible for the detainees’ lives and their physical and psychological well-being.

The statement emphasized the need for particular protection for detained medical personnel who provide care to sick and injured people inside detention facilities.

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