In a statement, Hamas condemned al-Aref's death as a crime and held the Israeli government, particularly National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, responsible for the treatment of Palestinian prisoners. The movement warned of repercussions, stating that the Israeli occupation "would pay dearly" for the incident.

Hamas also urged international intervention to protect Palestinian prisoners, alleging that they face "systematic torture and repression" in Israeli jails.

The Palestinian Commission of Detainees’ and Ex-Detainees’ Affairs confirmed the death of al-Aref, describing him as a victim of abuse in detention. Calls for urgent action have intensified in the wake of this incident, highlighting the plight of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. (ILKHA)