Damoun prison detainees include two pregnant women

The Palestinian Commission for the Affairs of Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners revealed that the Israeli army has detained at least two pregnant women in Damoun prison, The New Arab and agencies reported on July 1st. 

The group stated that the two women — Jihad Nakhlah and Aysha Ghidan — are among seven detainees currently under investigation by Israeli forces. There are currently 78 female detainees held in Damoun prison, three of which are from the Gaza Strip.

The group’s statement noted that these women are subject to abuses such as starvation and isolation. Women who have since been released also said they were deprived of water, electricity, sunlight and medical treatment. The rooms in which detainees are kept are also often overcrowded and without fans or ventilation.

READ: Gaza: WHO estimates 52,000 pregnant women in danger

“They have been completely isolated from the outside world, and deprived of their simplest rights such as clothes and medical care in spite of the seriousness of health conditions for those who have chronic diseases,” the statement read. 

A gynecologist in Rafah declared that Israel’s offensive had made conditions in Gaza “awful for women,” as feminine hygiene products have become scarce. 

Female detainees have also been subject to physical abuse and sexual harassment — a common occurance since the events of October 7th. Representatives of the United Nations called for an independent probe into Israeli abuses against Palestinian women and girls, including killings, rapes and sexual assault.

Gaza is now considered the most dangerous place in the world for women, with an average of seven deaths every two hours.  

The New Arab and agencies

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