Israel: Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has implemented a controversial punitive measure by forcing Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons to view images of mass destruction in the Gaza Strip. This action comes amid ongoing tensions and military activities in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ben-Gvir has displayed images of the destruction caused by the Israeli army in Gaza, stating, “That’s what the prisoners need to see every day.” This measure has been met with criticism, as videos of the incident circulate online. The minister’s actions come in the context of a devastating military campaign by Israel, which has resulted in the deaths of over 62,100 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023.

In a recent video, Ben-Gvir was also shown threatening senior Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, who has been imprisoned since 2002 over alleged involvement in attacks during the second Intifada. The video has drawn international attention and concern.

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric described the video as “disturbing” and emphasized the importance of treating all prisoners in accordance with international law and respecting their dignity.

The Palestinian Prisoner Society reports that over 10,800 Palestinians are currently imprisoned by Israel, including 49 women, 450 children, and 2,378 individuals labeled as “unlawful combatants.” These figures exclude detainees held in Israeli military camps and prisoners from Lebanon and Syria.

In a related development, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.