Palestinian Hamas Leader Dies in Israeli Custody

A Hamas leader from the West Bank, Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara, died in Israeli custody after his health deteriorated. He was transferred from Ramon jail to a hospital, where he passed away. The Palestinian Commission of Detainees Affairs reported that Abu Ara was subjected to torture and denied medical treatment. The Gaza conflict has resulted in numerous Palestinian deaths and significant displacement.

Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara, a senior Hamas leader in the West Bank, passed away in Israeli custody after his health deteriorated, according to a statement from a Palestinian governmental body early Friday.

The 63-year-old was transferred from Ramon jail in southern Israel to a hospital, where he ultimately died. The Palestinian Commission of Detainees Affairs noted that Abu Ara had serious health issues prior to his arrest and required intensive medical care, which he was denied after his detention.

Abu Ara was allegedly subjected to torture and deprived of medical treatment, with at least 18 Palestinians having died in Israeli custody since the Gaza war began on October 7, as per the Palestinian Prisoners Association. The conflict has resulted in over 39,000 Palestinian deaths and significant displacement in Gaza, leading to a humanitarian disaster.

(With inputs from agencies.)