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Life imprisonment

Palestinian Prisoner Population Reaches Record High

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Over 11,100 Palestinian prisoners have been detained in Israeli centers since the start of the Al-Aqsa Intifada in 2000, a figure that includes several hundred women, children, and minors. This represents the highest number since the uprising began, with more than 1,460 prisoners serving sentences and 350 facing life sentences. The lengthy detention has taken a toll on the prisoners, with several serving multiple life terms. Despite efforts to address the issue, the number of detained Palestinians continues to rise, with over 3,000 awaiting trial and more than 3,500 in administrative detention.

Key Takeaways:

  • As of October 1, 2025, over 11,100 Palestinian prisoners have been held in Israeli detention centers, a record high since the Al-Aqsa Intifada began in 2000.
  • The number of prisoners serving sentences is more than 1,460, with 350 facing life sentences or indicted for life sentences, including 303 convicted individuals.
  • Abdullah Barghouti, serving 67 life terms, and Ibrahim Hamed, serving 54 life terms, are among the longest-held Palestinian prisoners.
  • 17 veteran prisoners, including 4 who were repeatedly detained after their release since 1986, are among those held, with names including Ibrahim Abu Mukh, Ibrahim Bayadseh, Ahmed Abu Jaber, and Samir Abu Nimah.
  • 131 prisoners are serving 10-to-20-year sentences, and 166 are serving 21-to-30-year sentences.
  • There are 53 women, including three from the Gaza Strip, and 2 girls among the prisoners, along with more than 400 children held in Ofer and Megiddo prisons.
  • 3,380 Palestinians are awaiting trial, and an additional 3,544 are being held in administrative detention.

Statistics:

  • As of October 1, 2025: 11,100 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention centers.
  • Prisoners serving sentences: over 1,460.
  • Prisoners facing life sentences or indicted for life: 350.
  • Total life terms served by Abdullah Barghouti: 67.
  • Total life terms served by Ibrahim Hamed: 54.
  • Prisoners serving 10-to-20-year sentences: 131.
  • Prisoners serving 21-to-30-year sentences: 166.
  • Palestinian women prisoners: 53, including 3 from the Gaza Strip.
  • Palestinian girls among the prisoners: 2.
  • Total children held in Ofer and Megiddo prisons: over 400.
  • Palestinians awaiting trial: 3,380.
  • Palestinians held in administrative detention: 3,544.

Sources:

  • Palestinian prisoner organizations
  • Israel's Prison Service

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