Freed Palestinian prisoner alleges torture and deaths in Israeli detention

A freed Palestinian prisoner, one of about 1,700 detainees from Gaza who had been held by Israel without charge, has described scenes of systematic torture, humiliation and death inside Israeli detention.

Akram al Basyouni, 45, from northern Gaza, says he was detained on 10 December 2023 at a shelter school in Jabalia and spent nearly two years in custody, including at the Sde Teiman military base.

"Many of our fellow prisoners were beaten to the point of death," he told Sky News. "When we cried out to the guards for help, they would answer coldly, 'Let him die'. Five minutes later they would take the body away, wrap it in a bag, and shut the door."

Al Basyouni said detainees were routinely tortured, beaten with batons and fists, attacked by dogs and gassed during what guards called a "reception ceremony".

"They beat us so savagely our ribs were shattered. They poured boiling water over the faces and backs of young men until their skin peeled away. We sat on cold metal floors for days, punished even for asking for help."

In response to the allegations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it "operates in full compliance with Israeli and international law" and that detainees are held "under detention orders issued in accordance with the law".

Al Basyouni claimed prisoners were forced to remain on their knees for long hours, deprived of clothing and blankets, and subjected to religious and psychological abuse.

"They cursed the Prophet, tore up the Koran in front of us, and insulted our mothers and sisters in the foulest language," he said. "They told us our families were dead. 'There is no Gaza,' they said. 'We killed your children.'"

Palestinians freed from Israeli prisons in past exchanges have reported frequent beatings, insufficient food and deprivation of medical care.

A 2024 UN report said that since 7 October 2023, thousands of Palestinians have been held arbitrarily and incommunicado by Israel, often shackled, subject to torture and deprived of food, water, sleep and medical care.

Al Basyouni claimed many detainees, including doctors, died from beatings or medical neglect.

"I heard about Dr Adnan al-Bursh, may God have mercy on him," he said. "He was struck in the chest by a prison guard, over his heart. He lost consciousness immediately and died five minutes later."

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Sky News' own investigation found that Dr al-Bursh, one of Gaza's most respected surgeons, died after being tortured in Israeli custody, sustaining broken ribs and severe injuries while being held at Ofer Prison.

Al Basyouni said he also met Dr Hossam Abu Safiya at Ofer and heard that Dr Akram Abu Ouda had been "subjected to severe and repeated torture."

"Even the doctors were beaten and denied treatment," he said. "Many reached the brink of death."

In response to our investigation into Dr al-Bursh's death, a spokesman for the Israel Prison Service said at the time: "We are not aware of the claims you described and as far as we know, no such events have occurred under IPS responsibility."

Addressing allegations of abuse and deaths made by al Basyouni, the IDF added: "The IDF detains individuals in Gaza when there is reasonable suspicion of their involvement in terrorist activities.

"Relevant suspects undergo further questioning and screening and are detained in designated facilities within Israeli territory under detention orders issued in accordance with the law.

"The IDF is aware of incidents of deaths of detainees, including those with pre-existing illness or injury as a result of the hostilities. As per standard protocol, an investigation is conducted for each death of a detainee by the Military Police (MPCID).

"Mistreatment of detainees constitutes a violation of both Israeli and international law and is strictly prohibited."

(c) Sky News 2025: Freed Palestinian prisoner alleges torture and deaths in Israeli detention