On Friday morning, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir made a controversial visit to the Ofer prison near Ramallah, accompanied by the director of the Israeli Prison Service. The timing of this visit, just ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, has raised significant concerns, particularly given the high tensions surrounding the treatment of Palestinian detainees. Israeli media reported that during his tour of the cells housing detainees, which he referred to derogatorily as 'terrorists,' Ben Gvir made statements that heightened fears of increased repression and threats to the prisoners' rights.

Footage aired by Israeli Channel 7 displayed instances of alleged abuse and repression faced by the detainees during Ben Gvir's unannounced inspection. The minister's threats to the prisoners not to take any actions during Ramadan, coupled with his claims of having transformed the conditions within the prisons to be more punitive ('not a hotel' he asserted), are seen as part of a broader strategy to exert control and instill fear among the Palestinian population.

Furthermore, Ben Gvir's remarks regarding the need for further 'improvements' to prison conditions, alongside his push for implementing the death penalty for those he labels as 'terrorists,' underscore his hardline stance on Palestinian issues. A report by the Israeli rights group B'Tselem highlights ongoing human rights violations within Israeli detention facilities, suggesting that such actions by Ben Gvir only exacerbate an already volatile situation, invoking international concern and condemnation for the treatment of political prisoners in Israel's custody.