ALBAWABA - The visit of Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to Ofer Prison near Ramallah has elicited a significant amount of online backlash. This was due to the dissemination of videos that depicted the harsh treatment of Palestinian detainees during the inspection, which was described by activists.
Ben-Gvir and the chief of the Israeli Prison Service toured the facility on Friday, according to Israeli media reports, just days before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan began. Prisoner cabins were examined during the visit.
It appeared that Israeli forces were employing tear gas and stun grenades inside prison sections, while simultaneously pointing weapons toward detainees inside their cells, according to footage shared on social media. The scenarios elicited strong reactions from activists and rights advocates, who condemned the ongoing abuse that they perceived within Israeli detention facilities.
Ben-Gvir reportedly cautioned prisoners against any unrest during Ramadan and defended the changes that were instituted under his leadership during the visit. He declared that prisons had evolved into "real prisons and not hotels," a reference to the more stringent conditions that had been implemented since his election.
Reaction on Social Media
The videos rapidly acquired popularity on the internet, prompting a debate among human rights advocates and commentators. Numerous individuals contended that the footage did not reveal novel practices; rather, it underscored the systematic maltreatment that Palestinian detainees endure, which includes punitive measures, beatings, and deteriorating living conditions.
According to certain critics, the minister's presence within the prison indicated a hardline political posture that was intended to bolster his public image. Others emphasized the international community's inconsistent responses, observing that certain detainee cases receive increased global attention, while allegations of maltreatment against Palestinian prisoners receive less scrutiny.
Expanded Context
The incident occurred in the wake of the announcement of the death of detainee medic Hatem Rayan, who was purportedly apprehended at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza while conducting humanitarian work. The conditions within Israeli prisons were once again the subject of attention following his death.
International intervention and accountability have been advocated for by rights organizations. A report was published in January 2026 by the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem, which alleged that there were pervasive abuses occurring in Israeli prisons and detention centers. The organization characterized the system as one that encompassed severe restrictions on detainees, medical neglect, and physical and psychological maltreatment.
According to the report, between October 2023 and December 2025, a minimum of 84 Palestinian prisoners perished while in custody. Other human rights organizations have provided figures that are more substantial. According to data from the Israeli prison authorities as of September 2025, over 10,800 Palestinians, including minors and women, were detained in Israeli prisons.
Activists continue to advocate for increased international supervision of prison conditions, particularly in anticipation of Ramadan, when concerns regarding restrictions and treatment frequently escalate, as tensions remain elevated.
