Israel’s Supreme Court delivered a rare ruling against the government on Sunday as the war in Gaza intensifies. The court found that the authorities failed to provide adequate food to Palestinian prisoners, which is essential for basic survival.

The judges ordered an immediate improvement in the prisoners’ nutrition. This decision comes amid a nearly two-year-long conflict sparked by Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7.

Thousands Detained During the War

Since the war began, Israel has detained thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, accusing them of having links to Hamas.

While many detainees were later released without charges, they endured months of harsh detention. Human rights groups have documented serious abuse inside prisons, including malnutrition, poor healthcare, and unhygienic conditions.

Prisoner Death Raises Concerns

In March, a 17-year-old Palestinian prisoner died, with doctors later stating that starvation was likely the main cause.

This tragedy added urgency to the case filed by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) and the rights group Gisha, which challenged the government’s food policy.

Policy Changes Sparked Complaint

The complaint, filed last year, blamed new rules introduced after the war began for worsening prison conditions.

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees prisons, publicly boasted about cutting resources for security prisoners to what he called “the bare minimum required by Israeli law.”

Court Finds Violations of Basic Standards

On Sunday, a panel of three justices unanimously ruled that the state must provide enough food to ensure basic existence. The verdict stated there were “real doubts” prisoners were eating properly and ordered prison officials to take immediate steps to meet legal standards.

The ruling emphasized that the current food supply is insufficient and does not comply with the law.

Ben-Gvir Defends Harsh Prison Policy

Following the verdict, Ben-Gvir criticized the court, arguing that Israeli hostages held by Hamas receive no aid. He said, “To our disgrace, the court is defending Hamas militants.” He vowed to continue enforcing minimal prison conditions, saying this approach was within legal limits.

Rights Group Demands Urgent Action

In response, ACRI urged immediate implementation of the ruling.

The group wrote on X, “The prison service has turned Israeli prisons into torture camps. A state does not starve people. People do not starve people – no matter what they have done.”

A Rare Rebuke Amid Ongoing War

This ruling marks one of the few times Israel’s top court has challenged the government during wartime. It also highlights the growing debate over human rights and the treatment of prisoners as the Gaza war continues with no end in sight.