2026-06-15
9,600 Palestinian Prisoners in Israeli Jails: More Than 3,500 Administrative Detainees and 350 Children Behind Bars
West Bank – The latest statistics released by Palestinian prisoners' institutions reveal an unprecedented rise in the number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons. The total number has exceeded 9,600 prisoners, including more than 3,500 administrative detainees, approximately 350 children, and 84 female prisoners, amid ongoing large-scale arrest campaigns across the occupied West Bank.
According to the data, arrests have increased significantly since late 2023, reaching levels considered among the highest recorded in recent decades. Most arrest operations have been concentrated in the governorates of Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, Hebron, and Ramallah and Al-Bireh.
Administrative detention remains one of the most controversial issues, with more than 3,500 Palestinians held without formal charges or trial under renewable military detention orders. Human rights experts describe the figure as unprecedented compared to previous years.
Statistics also indicate that around 350 Palestinian children are currently held in Israeli prisons, while the number of Palestinian women prisoners stands at 84. Some are held under administrative detention, while others are either awaiting trial or serving prison sentences.
Human rights organizations report that arrest campaigns have become a daily reality throughout the West Bank, with military raids frequently targeting cities, towns, and refugee camps, resulting in the detention of dozens of Palestinians.
Reports further point to continuing challenges faced by prisoners, including overcrowding, limited access to healthcare, difficulties obtaining medical treatment, and restrictions on family visits and communication with relatives.
Observers note that the sharp increase in arrests over recent years has significantly affected the Palestinian prisoners' movement, which is currently facing one of its most complex periods in terms of prisoner numbers and categories, including sentenced prisoners, detainees awaiting trial, and administrative detainees.
The issue of Palestinian prisoners continues to hold a central place in Palestinian society due to its direct impact on thousands of families who have experienced imprisonment firsthand, making it one of the most significant humanitarian and national concerns.
As arrest campaigns continue across the West Bank, local and international human rights organizations are calling for the protection of prisoners' rights in accordance with international standards and for improved detention conditions, particularly for children, women, and sick prisoners.
Key Figures
More than 9,600 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.
More than 3,500 administrative detainees.
Around 350 child prisoners.
84 female prisoners.
The West Bank remains the primary source of new arrests.
Significant increase in prisoner numbers since late 2023..