Palestinian media alleges rights abuses during Israeli search for escaped prisoners

Israeli authorities are infringing on Palestinians’ rights during the massive manhunt for six escaped prisoners, according to Palestinian media.

Dozens were injured Wednesday night in raids near Jenin. Israeli troops also interrogated travelers, detained residents and confiscated surveillance footage, the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) official WAFA news agency reported.

The Hamas-affiliated SAFA Press Agency reported Thursday that Israeli authorities closed eating venues in prisons. They also said that Israel ordered an end to visits until the end of the year, citing a prisoner advocacy group.

The Arab-Israeli news outlet arab48 reported that police in the northern city of Acre prevented a protest in solidarity with the escapees from taking place, citing threats from right-wing Israelis.

Six Palestinian inmates escaped the high-security Gilboa Prison Monday ahead of the Jewish new year. Israeli forces are now conducting a massive search, and there have been large protests in solidarity with the escapees in the West Bank and Jerusalem. The men were in prison in relation to attacks on Israelis.

The incident has further damaged relations between Israel and the PA. Palestinian presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh avowed Thursday that there will be no peace until Palestinian prisoners are released, according to WAFA.

The internationally recognized PA sometimes works with Israel on security issues and is unpopular with much of the Palestinian population.

Some Israelis are also upset with the authorities over the escape. On Thursday, families of terror victims protested outside of Ofer Prison. They contended that prisoners are treated too leniently, the Israeli news outlet Arutz Sheva reported.