The profile and psychological effects of torture of Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons after 7th October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Following the events of 7 October 2023, the number of Palestinians detained by Israeli authorities surged dramatically. By December 2024, nearly 10,000 Palestinians were held in Israeli prisons, most without formal charges. Administrative detention, incommunicado detention, and the use of military law for Palestinians contrast sharply with civil protections extended to Israeli settlers. Human rights organisations have documented systematic use of torture and ill-treatment against Palestinian detainees, with growing concerns over psychological and physical impacts.

Methods
This cross-sectional study documented the experiences of 100 Palestinians experiencing detention after 7 October 2023 and later released. Participants were identified from official records and interviewed face-to-face by trained therapists between May and June 2024. A structured questionnaire assessed demographic information, detention conditions, exposure to torture, and psychological outcomes. Validated tools measured depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using R and Stata software.

Results
Participants reported widespread exposure to ill-treatment, with a median of 29 torture methods per person. All experienced deprivation and non-physical abuse; 99% were exposed to sensory or physical abuse, and 32% reported sexual abuse. Severe physical consequences included fractures (26%) and amputations (7%). Psychological distress was substantial: 83% showed moderate to severe depression symptoms, and 63% met criteria for PTSD. Deprivation methods such as not knowing date and time were associated with higher psychological impact scores surpassing physically painful methods such as suspension and electrocution. Multivariable regression indicated that a greater number of torture methods significantly predicted higher depression scores.

Discussion
This study highlights systematic use of torture and ill-treatment against Palestinians detained by Israeli forces post-October 2023. The psychological burden on survivors is profound and likely exacerbated by continuous traumatic stress under occupation. Survivors seemed to experience deprivation methods as more psychologically harmful than other methods. Findings underscore the urgent need for international accountability mechanisms and mental health interventions for survivors of torture in conflict zones.