A Palestinian journalist released from Israeli abduction has called the country’s jails as “living graves,” detailing severe physical deterioration after a year in custody.
Ali Samoudi, 59, spoke to reporters on Thursday following his release after a year of imprisonment in Israeli jails.
He said he lost nearly half his body weight during his abduction, dropping from 120 kilogrammes to around 60, which he attributed to what he described as starvation policies and dire conditions inside Israeli prisons.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society said Samoudi was released in visibly deteriorated condition, noting that he appeared “completely different” after months of abuse, repeated transfers and denial of basic rights.
In his testimony, Samoudi said Palestinian abductees are living under extremely harsh conditions, citing food shortages, poor-quality meals and the absence of basic necessities.
“These prisons are a real hell and become cemeteries for the living. Our detainees are suffering from all directions. The food is really bad and it’s such small amounts it’s not enough for a cat to survive on,” said Samoudi, who was one of the journalists working with Al Jazeera’s Shireen Abu Akleh when she was fatally shot in the head by an Israeli sniper in 2022.
