RAMALLAH, Mar 29 (V7N) – The Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) and the Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs reported on Saturday the death of Marwan Fathi Harzallah (54) while in Israeli custody at the Megiddo prison. Harzallah, a resident of Nablus and an employee of the Palestinian Public Broadcasting Corporation, had been detained since January 8, 2026.

A Life of Physical and National Struggle

According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, Harzallah’s death marks the end of a long period of physical suffering:

  • Historical Injury: In 1995, Harzallah was shot by Israeli forces, leading to the amputation of one of his legs. Despite this permanent disability, he remained active in his community and profession.

  • Circumstances of Detention: He was arrested earlier this year on charges of "incitement" related to social media activity. Human rights groups allege that he was subjected to "harsh detention conditions" and "deliberate medical neglect" during his three months at Megiddo.

Surging Prison Mortality Rates

Harzallah is the latest name on a rapidly growing list of Palestinian detainees who have died in Israeli custody since the regional war began in October 2023.

  • Confirmed Deaths: Human rights organizations have officially confirmed the identities of 89 Palestinian prisoners who have died in custody since the start of the conflict.

  • Broader Estimates: However, groups like the PPS and the Gaza-based Ministry of Health suggest the total number of deaths across all detention centers—including the notorious Sde Teiman military camp—exceeds 100, though many identities from Gaza remain unconfirmed due to "enforced disappearance" policies.

  • Historical Context: With Harzallah’s passing, the total number of Palestinian prisoners recognized as "martyrs" of the prisoner movement since 1967 has risen to 326.

Family Under "Administrative Detention"

The tragedy for the Harzallah family extends beyond the death of Marwan. According to Al Jazeera, his son, Tahrir Harzallah, is currently being held in an Israeli prison under the controversial policy of administrative detention.

  • No Charges: Under this policy, individuals can be held indefinitely for renewable six-month periods without being informed of the specific charges against them or being allowed to see the "secret evidence" held by the state.

  • Escalating Use: Human rights reports from March 2026 indicate a sharp spike in this practice, with over 3,400 Palestinians—including women and children—currently held without trial, representing over 36% of the total Palestinian prisoner population.

Palestinian authorities have held the Israeli government fully responsible for Harzallah's death and have called for an immediate international investigation into the treatment of disabled and elderly prisoners.

END/SMA/AJ