Israel indicts 12 prison guards over death of Palestinian detainee Ta'ar Abu A'asb at Ktziot prison

In mid-November 2023, during the Gaza war, Palestinian detainee Ta'ar Abu A'asb asked a shift sergeant if there was a ceasefire. The shift commander then briefed the force, instructing them to enter the cell during the evening count to show detainees there was no ceasefire. The guards allegedly entered the cell and beat Abu A'asb and eight other detainees with fists, kicks, and batons. Abu A'asb collapsed after the assault, was taken to the prison clinic and then to Soroka Hospital, where he died. The indictment states his death was caused by the blows, which led to severe injuries to his heart and respiratory system. The other eight detainees sustained real injuries. Additional charges include obstruction of investigation against the shift commander and sergeant for instructing witnesses to lie. The Israel Prison Service said the incident occurred under the previous commissioner and that the new commissioner has already ended the service of some involved, sending a clear message of zero tolerance for violations of law and discipline.