A doctor at a field hospital for detained Palestinians at Israel’s Sde Teiman army base has raised concerns about the conditions and medical treatment of inmates. The doctor described 'deplorable conditions' and 'routine' amputations due to handcuff injuries in a letter addressed to Israel’s attorney general and defense and health ministers.
The doctor highlighted that two prisoners had their legs amputated this week due to handcuff injuries, which he described as a 'routine event.' He expressed that inappropriate care at the detention facility has led to complications and even patient deaths, making the medical teams and authorities complicit in violating Israeli law.
The doctor also mentioned that inmates are fed through straws, defecate in diapers, and are constantly restrained, which he stated violates medical ethics and the law. A source with a medical background confirmed seeing detainees held in constant restraints at the Sde Teiman field hospital.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded to the claims by stating that they operate within the framework of the law and with extreme care for the human dignity of detainees. The IDF emphasized that violence against detainees is prohibited and that handcuffing is done based on procedures and the detainees' health condition.
The field hospital, established after Hamas’ attacks, has faced criticism from organizations like Physicians for Human Rights-Israel for ethical failures. The report highlighted that detainees are handcuffed and blindfolded at all times, leading to physical and psychological harm.
The doctor's letter also mentioned staffing issues at the field hospital, with a single doctor present for most of the day, sometimes with limited medical training. The doctor expressed concerns that such staffing arrangements could lead to complications and patient deaths.
The situation at the Sde Teiman field hospital underscores the need for proper medical care and adherence to ethical standards for all detainees, regardless of their circumstances.
