Hamas inmates say torture in West Bank prisons run by Palestinian rivals has ended

Hamas inmates say torture ends in West Bank jails

NABLUS, West Bank — Hamas inmates say they are no longer subjected to torture in West Bank prisons run by the group’s Palestinian rivals.

The prisoners spoke to The Associated Press during a tour of the West Bank’s most notorious prison. The change in practice is said to have taken effect in October and was confirmed by a West Bank Hamas leader, human rights activists and the Palestinian prime minister.

Hamas legislators say they still get sporadic reports of prisoners being slapped.

But they say the worst abuse is over. Prisoners say that for more than two years, abuses included being beaten with clubs and cables and being suspended from the ceiling in painful positions.

Palestinian officials say 43 officers have been punished for abuse.