Israel: Palestinian prisoners suffer from scabies outbreak amid dire conditions

An investigation by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz has revealed that a quarter of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons have been infected with scabies in recent months.

The findings contained in the report, which cited prison officials, were the result of a petition filed by human rights organisations. 

Israel's Supreme Court is set to discuss the conditions under which Palestinian prisoners are being held amidst accusations that prison administrators are not doing enough to prevent the spread of disease, provide adequate healthcare and deal with overcrowding.

Palestinians held by Israel say that their treatment is deliberate rather than the result of neglect.

One prisoner quoted by Haaretz said: “When we asked for treatment, they told us that we are terrorists and must die."

READ MORE: Israel: Palestinian prisoners suffer from scabies outbreak amid dire conditions