Allegations Concerning Conditions in Israeli Prisons

Question: What can the United States say about allegations concerning prison conditions and prisoner treatment that have prompted a hunger strike among Palestinian prisoners? Have there been any discussions between the United States and the government of Israel over this issue?

Answer: The State Department's 2003 Human Rights Report for Israel states that conditions varied in incarceration facilities in the country and the occupied territories that were administered by the Israeli Prison Service (IPS), the IDF or the national police. IPS prisons generally met international standards. Conditions in military detention camps and Israeli interrogation centers for Palestinian security detainees were poor and did not meet international standards. Human rights groups have complained to us about insufficient living space, torture and inadequate medical care in interrogation centers.

The Minister of Internal Security has stated publicly that all persons held in the IPS would receive a bed, daily outdoor exercise, telephone and visitation rights, and less crowded facilities. The entire Human Rights Report is the subject of extensive discussion between the Department, the Israeli Government and members of the NGO and international community. We expect discussions to recommence soon in advance of the 2004 Human Rights Report.

2004/929