An Israeli court has closed the investigation into the death of Palestinian teenager Walid Ahmed, who passed away in March 2025, prompting a wave of criticism from human rights organizations. Ahmed, aged 17, died in prison after being arrested on charges of throwing stones, with reports indicating that he suffered from severe hunger prior to his death.
The case, which was closed by Judge Ehud Kaplan, came after investigations revealed evidence that Ahmed was suffering from malnutrition. However, the judge concluded that there was no proven link between his deteriorating health condition and the direct cause of his death. Details of the ruling emerged following the lifting of a publication ban.
Details of the Incident
Walid Ahmed died six months after his arrest, with the Palestinian Prisoners' Affairs Committee reporting that he was denied family visits and legal consultations. Testimonies collected by Defense for Children International indicate that he lost consciousness on March 22, 2025, and despite his fellow inmates' pleas for help, the guards did not respond to their calls. He was later transferred to the prison yard where he was moved by the guards.
Attorney Nadia Daqa, who has been following the case, criticized the decision, noting that it reflects a narrow legal approach that does not address the broader circumstances contributing to detainee deaths. She emphasized that "Walid is not an isolated case," as many detainees have died in Israeli prisons without their cases receiving adequate attention.
Background & Context
Ahmed's death reflects broader issues related to the detention system in Israeli prisons, including mistreatment, food deprivation, and delayed medical care. According to Physicians for Human Rights - Israel, at least 94 Palestinians died in Israeli prisons between October 2023 and August 2025, with many cases linked to severe medical neglect.
Naji Abbas, director of the prisoners and detainees department at the organization, reported that the quality of food began to deteriorate after October 7, 2023, noting that some prisons provide meals containing less than 1,200 calories daily, while the World Health Organization sets the minimum requirement at 2,100 calories.
Impact & Consequences
This case is part of a broader policy aimed at reducing the number of calories provided to detainees as a deterrent method. Physicians for Human Rights has documented these practices through testimonies from prisoners and medical records showing severe weight loss. Additionally, pressures on Palestinian detainees continue even after their release, with increased instances of repeated arrests and interrogations.
Daqa states that these policies contribute to creating conditions that lead to long-term health deterioration for detainees, increasing the risk of serious illness or death. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, warned that torture in Israel has become a "state doctrine," indicating that Israel is creating an environment of torture in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Regional Significance
The implications of this case extend beyond the borders of Palestine, as human rights violations in Israeli prisons reflect a broader picture of Palestinian suffering under occupation. The ongoing nature of these violations raises concerns within the international community and highlights the urgent need for accountability for those responsible for these crimes.
In conclusion, the case of Walid Ahmed remains a symbol of the ongoing suffering faced by Palestinians in Israeli prisons, necessitating urgent international action to pressure Israeli authorities to improve detention conditions and ensure the rights of detainees.