Palestinian prisoners describe widespread abuse in Israel’s jails

Guardian interviews back up report by rights group B'Tselem, which says jails should now be labelled torture camps'

• Torture, abuse and humiliation: Palestinians on Israeli prison hell'

Violence, extreme hunger, humiliation and other abuse of Palestinian prisoners has been normalised across Israel's jail system, according to Guardian interviews with released prisoners, with mistreatment now so systemic that rights group B'Tselem says it must be considered a policy of institutionalised abuse".

Former detainees described abuse ranging from severe beatings and sexual violence to starvation rations, refusal of medical care, and deprivation of basic needs including water, daylight, electricity and sanitation, including soap and sanitary pads for women.