Hamas leader in West Bank dies in Israeli custody, says Palestinian government body

"From the moment of his arrest, Sheikh Abu Ara, like all prisoners, has faced unprecedented crimes," the reports claim.

 A woman holds a picture of a Palestinian prisoner during a protest in solidarity with Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli jails, November 14, 2023 (photo credit: REUTERS/MUSSA QAWASMA)
A woman holds a picture of a Palestinian prisoner during a protest in solidarity with Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli jails, November 14, 2023
(photo credit: REUTERS/MUSSA QAWASMA)

A Hamas leader in the West Bank allegedly died in Israeli custody after a deterioration in his health condition, a Palestinian governmental body reported early on Friday.

Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara, 63, reportedly died after being transferred to a hospital from the Ramon jail in southern Israel, the Palestinian Commission of Detainees Affairs said in a statement.

"Before his arrest, he was suffering from serious health problems and needed intensive medical follow-up. However, from the moment of his arrest, Sheikh Abu Ara, like all prisoners, has faced unprecedented crimes ... since the beginning of the war of extermination."

 A RELEASED Palestinian prisoner returns home to Ramallah this week amid the hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel.  (credit: AMMAR AWAD/REUTERS)
A RELEASED Palestinian prisoner returns home to Ramallah this week amid the hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel. (credit: AMMAR AWAD/REUTERS)

Reports of torture

Abu Ara, who was arrested in October last year, was reportedly subjected to torture and deprived of medical treatment, the Palestinian body said. There was no immediate comment from Israel.

At least 18 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody since the start of the Gaza war on Oct. 7, the Palestinian Prisoners Association said last month.