Israel Carries Out Systematic Killings Of At Least 98 Palestinians In Custody, Rights Group Alleges

Physicians for Human Rights–Israel (PHRI) has published a report alleging that at least 98 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody since the Gaza war began in October 2023.

“A report from Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) says at least 94 Palestinians have died in Israeli detention since October 2023 amid the Gaza war, and warns the true number—especially among those taken from Gaza—may be higher”

Al Jazeera

Some outlets and PHRI’s own documented count list 94 deaths through August 2025, plus four more in October–November 2025.

Al Jazeera

PHRI says its count is compiled from official responses, medical records, autopsies, forensic reports and interviews.

The organisation accuses Israeli authorities of systematic killing, ill-treatment, medical neglect and concealing causes of death.

Several outlets note the tally may understate the true toll because hundreds taken from Gaza remain unaccounted for and Israeli authorities have sometimes refused to acknowledge detentions or deaths.

PHRI’s report details causes and medical findings related to in-custody deaths.

Autopsies and medical records show head injuries, internal bleeding, rib fractures, extreme malnutrition, and, in many cases, signs of physical violence.

BBC

The report also documents denied insulin for diabetics, untreated cancer, and life‑threatening infections.

Several outlets and the report identify where deaths occurred—military camps and Israel Prison Service facilities—and highlight a particularly high number of detainee deaths taken from Gaza.

PHRI and reporting cite evidence from released detainees, medical staff, and forensic examinations to substantiate allegations that physical abuse and medical neglect were leading contributors to the deaths.

PHRI and multiple outlets say Israeli authorities have stopped sharing custody information with the ICRC/Red Cross.

“Here’s a concise summary: - A PHRI report says 94 Palestinians have died in Israeli detention facilities since Oct”

CBS News

They also say authorities have barred access to some detention sites and frequently refused to acknowledge detentions or deaths, leaving families uninformed.

The report and press coverage describe these allegations as producing forced disappearances, with some sources arguing the pattern shows an official policy of abuse since the war began while other outlets emphasise state denials that prison and military authorities act lawfully and investigate deaths.

Accountability has been limited in the incidents covered, with reporting citing one high‑profile conviction related to abuse and some pending indictments (for example over the Sde Teiman case).

Rights groups and the Palestinian Human Rights Initiative (PHRI) call for independent or international investigations and say nearly all deaths remain unexplained in public records.

Democracy Now!

Some outlets underline legal and institutional steps, noting that Israel’s Supreme Court ordered improvements to inmate food and that a small number of prosecutions have advanced.

Other outlets emphasise calls for international probes and the absence of meaningful domestic accountability.

Coverage tone and emphasis vary by source type.

“The highest number of deaths, 29, occurred at the Sde Teiman military prison (pictured), according to the group's report-BBC At least 94 Palestinian prisoners and detainees have died in Israeli custody in less than two years, a well-regarded Israeli human rights group said, BBC reports”

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West Asian outlets and some regional broadcasters stress the Gaza origin of many detainees and frame the deaths as part of systemic abuse tied to Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

Middle East Monitor

Western mainstream outlets provide investigative context, comparative historical figures and official responses.

Western alternative outlets foreground civil-society claims, broader human-rights framing and demands for international accountability.

Those differences shape how directly sources say Israel is responsible.

Some outlets quote PHRI and say evidence points to 'systematic killing' or a 'deliberate policy'.

Other outlets juxtapose those claims with IPS and military denials or note legal steps taken domestically.