Israel has reportedly opened an underground prison facility in central Israel for detainees from Hamas and Hezbollah, where the prisoners are subjected to extreme conditions, including complete denial of sunlight. According to Israeli public broadcaster KAN, the facility is specifically designed to hold members of Hamas's elite forces and Hezbollah's Radwan Unit, considered some of the most dangerous individuals.
Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who is responsible for overseeing the police, defended the facility's harsh conditions, saying, "This is their natural place, underground." The underground prison currently holds around 75 detainees from both groups, with reports confirming that even the small window in their ward has been sealed off, further isolating them from the outside world.
Describing the prison conditions as brutal, KAN reported that detainees are shackled and confined to their cells for 23 hours a day. They are allowed just one brief opportunity to step outside into a small, enclosed yard, where sunlight cannot penetrate. This restricted movement and lack of natural light contribute to the oppressive nature of the facility.
The detainees are provided with minimal sustenance, receiving a mattress and small portions of food. The prison houses individuals who are considered extremely dangerous, with no expectation of release in the foreseeable future.
According to reports from Anadolu Agency, these developments come amid ongoing violence in Gaza, where Israeli military operations have led to the deaths of over 46,000 people, mostly women and children, since October 7, 2023. Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, the Israeli military's operations continue. Thousands of Palestinians have reportedly been detained during the conflict, with many of them facing similar harsh conditions.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has expanded into neighboring Lebanon, where Israeli military strikes have also resulted in significant casualties. A ceasefire was finally reached on November 27, 2024, after more than 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
In the wake of these events, Israel faces legal scrutiny on the international stage. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its military actions in the Gaza Strip.
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