Allegations of Inmates Being Shot with Rubber Bullets in Israeli Prisons

Human rights organizations in Israel have announced a marked increase in prison guards firing rubber bullets from close range at inmates, the majority of whom are Palestinian, leading to severe injuries.

Cases Documented by Human Rights Organizations

Leading human rights organizations in Israel drew attention to the increase in cases where inmates were shot with rubber bullets from close range inside prisons.

Physicians for Human Rights-Israel and the Public Committee Against Torture announced that they have documented 22 cases in which inmates were shot with rubber bullets.

Period and Conditions Surrounding the Increase

While only a few such incidents had been documented in the previous decade, it was stated that nearly all of the cases have occurred since the autumn.

It is noted that Palestinians have long faced harsh treatment in prisons, but conditions have deteriorated increasingly since the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

Legal Regulations and Allegations of Disproportionate Force

Rights organizations reported that guards used excessive force and that these shootings did not serve as a last resort to prevent violence or stop an escape.

It was emphasized that according to Israel's prison regulations, guards are only permitted to resort to firearms in situations of imminent risk.

The Prison Service's Approach to the Issue

Responding in August to a letter sent by human rights organizations, the legal advisor of the prison service stated that there was no objection to their measured use.

The Israel Prison Service left questions regarding the use of rubber bullets from close range or the principles governing these rules unanswered.