Kathmandu— Israeli authorities have confirmed the death of Ihab Mohammed Abdel Qader Diab, a 36-year-old Palestinian detainee from Gaza, nearly two years after he reportedly died in detention. The Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs was informed on Sunday about Diab’s death, which occurred while he was held by the Israeli Prison Service following his arrest on December 12, 2023. Palestinian officials claim this delayed confirmation is part of a pattern of concealing information regarding detained Palestinians, particularly since the start of Israel's war on Gaza.

Allegations of Torture and Neglect

The commission believes Diab died around September 18, 2024, after approximately nine months in custody. They allege he was subjected to torture during his detention. Israeli authorities state that Diab had a pre-existing health condition, but his family disputes this claim, asserting he was healthy at the time of his arrest. Gaza’s Prisoners’ Ministry has placed full responsibility for Diab's death on the Israeli government and prison administration, citing evidence of torture, medical neglect, and harsh detention conditions.

Rising Detainee Death Toll

Diab’s death marks the 328th instance of a Palestinian detainee dying in Israeli custody since 1967. The commission reports that 91 detainees have died since October 7, 2023, including 53 from Gaza. This figure adds to growing concerns about conditions within Israel’s detention system.

Administrative Detention and Prisoner Numbers

As of August, the Israeli rights group HaMoked reported that nearly 8,000 “security” prisoners were being held by Israel, with 3,198 in administrative detention – meaning they are held without formal charges based on secret evidence and subject to indefinitely renewable orders. These figures do not include Palestinians detained from Gaza who are classified separately as “unlawful combatants.”

Calls for Investigation

Gaza’s Prisoners’ Ministry is demanding an international investigation into Diab's death, accountability for those responsible, the return of his body to his family, and full disclosure regarding the fate of all Gaza detainees. The ministry alleges Israel continues to conceal information about Palestinian prisoners.

The case has brought renewed scrutiny to Israel’s detention system and the treatment of Palestinian prisoners held without charge or trial.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.