Ben Gvir films Palestinian women in cells, boasts of worsening prison conditions

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was captured on video visiting Damon Prison, where he interacted with dozens of female Palestinian detainees. In the footage, Ben Gvir is seen entering the cells of the women, dismissing their complaints about dire prison conditions and expressing satisfaction with the current situation.

He stated, "The good conditions in the prisons are over. This is the current situation, and I am directly responsible for everything. I am pleased with these conditions." The video has drawn criticism from rights groups who accuse Ben Gvir of using the suffering of female detainees for political propaganda. Palestinian and human rights organizations have condemned the video as a public document of the mistreatment of prisoners.

The incident has reignited criticism of Ben Gvir's policies towards Palestinian prisoners, following his previous videos showing mockery of detainees' complaints about food, water, and detention conditions. The video has sparked protests by international and Israeli peace activists outside Damon Prison. One of the prisoners, Hanaa Tahaineh, confirmed she appeared in the video alongside another prisoner, Yasmin Shaaban, who described the harsh conditions to Ben Gvir.

Hanaa, who suffers from rheumatism, migraines, and scabies, expressed her distress at the conditions, saying there are no basic necessities and life there is devoid of life.