Palestinian teenager who died in Israeli prison showed signs of starvation, autopsy report

Apnews - Apr 6th, 2025
Open on Apnews

A Palestinian teenager, Walid Ahmad, likely died from starvation while being held in an Israeli prison without charges, according to an Israeli doctor's report on his autopsy. The 17-year-old showed signs of severe malnutrition, inflammation of the colon, and scabies. Dr. Daniel Solomon, who observed the autopsy, indicated that Ahmad was in extreme weight loss and muscle wasting, and had complained of inadequate food since December. Ahmad collapsed in Megiddo Prison, with eyewitnesses citing a head injury as the immediate cause. An investigation is underway by Israel’s prison service, but Ahmad’s death raises serious concerns about the treatment of Palestinian detainees.

Ahmad's death underscores the harsh conditions reported in Israeli prisons, particularly for Palestinian detainees. Rights groups have documented widespread abuse, including beatings, overcrowding, and insufficient medical care, which have worsened since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Ahmad's case highlights the ongoing issue of medical neglect and poor living conditions for prisoners, exacerbated during Ramadan fasting. Ahmad's family demands the return of his body and calls attention to the tragedy unfolding in Israeli detention facilities, stressing there is no value for life. This incident adds to the complex and contentious dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian relations, particularly regarding human rights in detention centers.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and largely accurate account of the death of Walid Ahmad in Israeli custody, supported by credible sources and expert opinions. It effectively highlights issues of human rights and prison conditions, which are of significant public interest. However, the story could benefit from a more balanced representation of perspectives, particularly from Israeli authorities, to enhance its comprehensiveness and reduce potential bias. The lack of an official autopsy report leaves some claims needing further verification. Despite these limitations, the article is timely and has the potential to influence public discourse and policy discussions. Its clear language and logical structure make it accessible to a wide audience, while its coverage of a controversial topic ensures its relevance and engagement potential.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents a factual account of the death of Walid Ahmad, supported by an autopsy report and statements from credible sources such as Physicians for Human Rights Israel. However, the lack of an official autopsy report from the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute leaves some claims, particularly around the exact cause of death, open to verification. The article accurately reports on the conditions in Israeli prisons, which are corroborated by multiple rights groups. The claim that Ahmad was the youngest Palestinian prisoner to die since the start of the Gaza war is consistent with available evidence. Overall, while the story is largely accurate, the absence of some official documentation necessitates a cautious approach to accepting all claims as fully verified.

6
Balance

The article predominantly presents the perspective of the Palestinian side, including the family's account and statements from rights groups. It lacks a comprehensive representation of the Israeli prison service's viewpoint, which is only briefly mentioned. The inclusion of statements from Israeli officials or other independent observers could have provided a more balanced view. The story does mention an investigation by the Israeli prison service, but further details or responses from Israeli authorities are missing, which could lead to perceived bias.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey the events surrounding Walid Ahmad's death. It logically presents the sequence of events, from his arrest to his death and the subsequent autopsy findings. The tone remains neutral, focusing on factual reporting rather than emotive language. However, the inclusion of more direct quotes from involved parties could improve clarity by providing firsthand perspectives. Overall, the article is easy to follow and understand.

8
Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including an Israeli doctor who observed the autopsy and rights groups like Physicians for Human Rights Israel. These sources lend authority and reliability to the claims made. The Associated Press, known for its journalistic standards, further adds to the credibility of the reporting. However, the story would benefit from more diverse sources, such as statements from Israeli authorities or independent human rights observers, to enhance its comprehensiveness.

7
Transparency

The article provides transparency by disclosing the source of the autopsy report and mentioning the involvement of Dr. Daniel Solomon. It also notes the lack of a complete official autopsy report, which is crucial for understanding the full context. However, the methodology behind some claims, such as the investigation by the Israeli prison service, is not fully explained. Greater transparency about the sources and methods used to gather information, especially regarding prison conditions, would enhance the article's reliability.

Sources

  1. https://time.com/7273276/walid-ahmad-death-israeli-prison/
  2. https://www.dci-palestine.org/17_year_old_palestinian_child_prisoner_starved_to_death_by_israeli_prison_guards
  3. https://www.newarab.com/news/palestinian-teenager-died-after-being-starved-israeli-custody
  4. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/palestinian-teen-starved-israeli-prison-b2728229.html
  5. https://www.instagram.com/dwnews/p/DH6d8vBNMkQ/