Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video on his TikTok account showing himself asleep with the text “I know I should be sleeping, but in my dreams,” followed by images of nooses. Ben-Gvir has long pushed for the introduction of the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners before it was approved in second and third readings in the Knesset by 62-48 votes on March 30, of which Ben-Gvir celebrated when he marked his 50th birthday with a cake featuring a noose and the message “Congratulations Minister Ben-Gvir, sometimes dreams come true.” The law has been denounced by human rights organisations and experts as racist.
Since the onset of Israel's war on Gaza and the escalation of Israeli state violence in the occupied West Bank, there have been widespread reports of severe abuse, torture, and sexual violence against Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. Human rights organisations have documented hundreds of cases involving beatings, electric shocks, stress positions, and degrading treatment. In several facilities, including Sde Teiman, allegations of rape and sexual assault have emerged. At least 50 Palestinian detainees have died in Israeli custody since October 2023