By Ranna Khalil | Researcher
Dear friends,
Warms regards from Adalah.
Palestinian prisoners released under the exchange deal between Israel and Hamas continue to give harrowing testimonies about the torture and ill-treatment, including starvation, they endured in Israeli detention facilities. Less widely known, however, are the severe restrictions, obstructions and bans on visits to the prisoners by family members, lawyers and Palestinian Members of Knesset (MKs). These measures have intensified since 7 October 2023, under the leadership of the now former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversaw the Israeli police and the Israeli Prison Service (IPS). The absence of independent oversight and accountability remains deeply glaring.
Obstructions to Lawyers’ Visits
In December 2024, Adalah sent an urgent letter to the Israeli Bar Association demanding its intervention to end the unlawful restrictions on lawyers’ visits to Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in security wings of Israeli facilities. These obstructions include the cancellation of scheduled visits under the pretext of an emergency situation, severe limitations on visiting hours, and prolonged delays in approving visits—sometimes extending for several months. Additionally, authorities have barred lawyers from relaying even the simplest messages from family members, such as greetings, and have prohibited them from bringing in essential items, including blank paper. Adalah stressed that these restrictions violate the detainees’ fundamental rights to counsel. Adalah also sent a similar letter to the Attorney General (AG) and the IPS chief in January 2025, urging systemic reforms to ensure fair legal procedures. The persistent obstruction of lawyers’ access to Palestinian prisoners severely impairs their ability to provide effective legal representation and undermines the right to access justice.
In its 23 February 2025 response, the IPS justified the restrictions by noting the unprecedented numbers of prisoners and the need to prevent concealed messages that could facilitate harmful activities. These claims violate prisoners’ fundamental rights, as protected under international law, and Adalah is following-up.
Ban on Family Visits
For over 17 months, since 7 October 2023, Israeli authorities have also completely banned family visits to Palestinian prisoners, adults and minors. In December 2024, Adalah sent a letter to the AG, the IPS, and the legal advisor of the National Security Ministry demanding the immediate restoration of these visits. Adalah emphasized the devastating impact of this ban, particularly on Palestinian children, who are suffering from severe psychological distress. The prolonged prohibition of parental visits amounts to inhumane treatment and directly contradicts international human rights standards. Again, the IPS justified its ban by citing the need to ensure the safety of the facility and its staff. Adalah is formulating its next steps to challenge this ban.
Prohibitions on Palestinian MK Visits
Palestinian MKs have also been systematically barred from visiting Palestinian prisoners held in security wings of various Israeli facilities. In April 2024, Adalah, on behalf of MK Dr. Ahmad Tibi, petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court (SCT) to challenge this ban, which has also prevented him from visiting Palestinian political leader, Marwan Barghouti. Adalah argued that this policy obstructs MK Tibi’s parliamentary duty to oversee prison conditions and constitutes blatant discrimination, as members of the ruling coalition have been permitted to visit Israeli Jewish security prisoners during the same period.
At an Israeli SCT hearing in September 2024, the IPS and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) submitted classified materials. Adalah later learned that these documents revealed that the objections to MK Tibi’s visits were not based on specific security threats but rather on general political considerations that his visit could "raise [Barghouti’s] political status" and "legitimize the Palestinian armed struggle." Adalah contends that these political justifications merely serve to suppress parliamentary oversight and Palestinian prisoners’ rights. The case remains pending.
Thank you for supporting Adalah’s emergency work during these critical times.
In solidarity,
The Adalah team.
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