Jerusalem: Israel is reportedly detaining and torturing Palestinians who criticize the ongoing genocide in Gaza for more than a year. Many are refraining from protesting for fear of severe torture in prison, according to a report prepared by the Associated Press. It is estimated that more than 400 Palestinians have been arrested in the country since the Gaza offensive began. Most of them have been charged with terrorism-related offences, Adalah, an organization working for minorities in Israel, pointed out. After being charged with criminal offences, the arrestees lost their jobs and were subject to constant police surveillance.
A Palestinian citizen, Ahmed Khalifa, was arrested in October last year for protesting against the war. He was tortured in prison for three months and then confined to his apartment for six months. It is still unclear when the final verdict in the case will be issued, and until then, he will be banned from leaving his home, as per the administration’s orders. Khalifa said that Israel views Palestinians in the country as enemies rather than citizens.
With the commencement of the Gaza offensive, more terrorism cases have been registered against Palestinian citizens in Israel than in the previous five years. The Ministry of Justice does not have exact figures on the number of charges and prison sentences.
Following the Hamas attack on October 7, several Palestinian citizens who shared anti-war views on social media were charged with terrorism. A special police force, led by Defense Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has been assigned to track down and prosecute those expressing pro-Palestinian views.
Oumaya Jabareen's son has been in prison for eight months for participating in anti-war protests. Jabereen, along with hundreds of others, had staged a massive protest earlier this month against the Israeli attack on Umm al-Fahm. It was one of the largest protests since October last year. In the past, thousands of people used to participate in pro-Palestinian protests. But now, Jabareen said, people are afraid to speak out against the war. She added that dissent can lead to imprisonment and harassment in workplaces and educational institutions.
Israel's total population includes two million Palestinian citizens. They have been living here since the establishment of Israel in 1948. Palestinian citizens, including Muslims and Christians, still have family ties in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. While Israel claims that they have equal rights, including the right to vote, Palestinian citizens in the country have long faced severe discrimination, including in the workplace.