Key facts
- Palestinian gynaecologist Dima Amin was arrested by Israeli authorities last Tuesday.
- Her family reports she suffered a heart attack and underwent a catheterisation procedure while in detention.
- Israeli media cited a 'cardiac episode' linked to tight handcuffs.
- Amin's detention has been extended, and her family is seeking her release.
- Human rights groups allege systemic mistreatment and targeting of medical personnel in Israeli detention.
Israeli authorities continue to detain Palestinian gynaecologist Dima Amin, who was arrested last Tuesday by dozens of soldiers who forcibly entered her home in Ramallah. Her husband, Haider Abu Ghosh, reported that the arrest occurred at 2 a.m. and that he was held separately while his wife was taken away.
More than a day after her arrest, Amin's lawyer informed her family that she had undergone a catheterisation procedure due to severe chest pain experienced shortly after her detention. Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Dr. Amin suffered a 'cardiac episode' after soldiers allegedly tightened her handcuffs forcefully, leaving visible marks. Her family expressed deep concern for her health, but her lawyer confirmed she was returned to the Moscovia detention centre without medical reports, reportedly because the procedure revealed no health problems.
During her initial court hearing, Amin's detention was extended until Monday. Her husband stated that the arrest was based on social media posts deemed incitement by Israeli intelligence. Amin's children, studying in Germany and Spain, are distressed by the lack of communication and information about their mother's well-being.
International human rights organizations have contacted the family to intervene for Amin's release. The Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem, quoting Amin's lawyer, noted the visible marks from restraints on her wrists. B'Tselem described the Israeli prison system since October 2023 as one of 'systematic violations, including physical violence, humiliation, denial of medical treatment, and inhumane living conditions,' reporting that at least 90 Palestinians have died in detention during this period. Yuli Novak, director of B'Tselem, stated that Amin's case exemplifies the brutality of the system, where a woman of her age suffering a heart attack is returned to detention.
The Palestinian NGO Network characterized Dr. Amin's arrest as part of a pattern of attacks on humanitarian work and medical personnel in Palestinian territories, citing other detained medical professionals. The group holds Israeli authorities responsible for these violations against the health sector. The Palestinian Prisoners Club reported that over 90 Palestinian women, including pregnant individuals and those with chronic health issues, are held in Damon Prison under harsh conditions, denied treatment and basic rights. The Prisoners' Media Office documented repeated raids and abusive operations against female prisoners in Damon Prison.