The Palestinian Asra (Prisoners) Media Office says some recently freed Palestinian captives are unable to hug their families because they are suffering from scabies, a skin infection.
Scabies, caused by an infestation of mites, causes extreme itching and rashes across the body. It has been spreading among Palestinian captives in Israeli jails over the past two years because of the lack of hygiene and medical care.
The Asra Media Office said Israel has been purposely allowing the disease to spread to exact “revenge on prisoners”.
“The [Israeli] occupation forces confiscated all prisoners’ supplies, especially personal hygiene products, soap, toiletries and toothpaste,” it said.
“They also denied prisoners access to shaving and haircuts and confiscated their clothing, towels and personal equipment.”
