Hidden Agonies: The Dire Reality of Palestinian Detainees

Palestinian bodybuilder Moazaz Obaiyat's ordeal highlights alleged abuse in Israeli detention. Suffering severe PTSD and physical harm, Obaiyat's case is among many revealing psychological and physical torture. International efforts seek detainee releases following the Gaza war, spotlighting widespread human rights violations against Palestinians amid mounting scrutiny on prison conditions.

Moazaz Obaiyat, a once-robust Palestinian bodybuilder, saw his life take a grim turn following his detention in Israeli custody. His release in July left him physically broken; however, a vicious cycle soon ensued as he was detained again in October.

During his detainment, Obaiyat was diagnosed with severe PTSD. Medical reports from Bethlehem Psychiatric Hospital attribute this to the physical and psychological violence he endured at Israel's Ktz'iot prison. Such allegations of abuse shine a spotlight on Israeli detention practices amid renewed international efforts to exchange detainees for hostages held in Gaza by Hamas.

Interviews by Reuters with former Palestinian detainees echo claims of systematic torture corroborated by human rights groups, raising alarm among international bodies. Israel's military insists on investigating such accusations, though rights organizations demand accountability and improved conditions for thousands still held.

(With inputs from agencies.)