Palestinian Prisoner Hassan Salameh Reportedly Shot Nine Times After Ben-Gvir’s Prison Visit
By : Alia Kashmiri
Palestinian prisoner Hassan Salameh was reportedly beaten and shot nine times inside an Israeli prison following a confrontation with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, according to statements by his fiancée, Ghufran al-Zamil. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Al-Zamil said the incident took place on September 15 at Ganot Prison, after Ben-Gvir entered Salameh’s cell and threatened to kill and execute him. The minister later published footage of the encounter on social media on September 28.
Speaking to media outlets, Al-Zamil said prison forces returned to Salameh’s cell at around 4pm on the same day, assaulted him and fired nine rounds at different parts of his body.
She said she could not confirm what type of ammunition was used, although rubber-coated bullets are reportedly among the types used by Israeli prison authorities against detainees. Sawa news agency+1
Medical treatment concerns
Al-Zamil alleged that prison authorities waited three days before photographing Salameh’s injuries and returned him to his cell without providing proper medical treatment, giving him only painkillers.
She added that a lawyer who visited him recently found his health condition worrying, describing him as visibly exhausted and physically weakened. Restrictions during the visit reportedly prevented the lawyer from obtaining further details about his injuries.
The allegations have raised fresh concerns about Salameh’s safety and access to medical care in Israeli detention. Sawa news agency+1
Ben-Gvir’s threats against Salameh
The incident follows Ben-Gvir’s controversial prison visit, during which he was filmed confronting the Palestinian prisoner and saying, “I want to kill you. I want to execute you.”
The footage, published on September 28, triggered widespread condemnation from Palestinian officials and organisations.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society described the minister’s threats as part of a broader pattern of intimidation against Palestinian detainees and held Israeli authorities responsible for Salameh’s safety. Al Jazeera+1
Who is Hassan Salameh?
Hassan Salameh is a senior Hamas military figure who has been imprisoned by Israel since 1996. He is serving 48 life sentences following his conviction over a series of attacks carried out that year, including suicide bombings in Israel.
He has spent approximately 14 years in solitary confinement during separate periods of his imprisonment.
Salameh has also been a key figure in previous prisoner exchange negotiations. Hamas sought his release during the 2011 exchange deal involving Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, but Israel refused to include him.
His case has again attracted attention following Ben-Gvir’s threats and the latest allegations of physical assault and inadequate medical treatment.
