Judge blocks implementation of plan to place crocodiles in trenches surrounding Ketziot Prison in Negev desertAn Israeli court temporarily froze National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's plan to place crocodiles around Ketziot Prison in southern Israel's Negev desert, where Palestinian detainees from the Gaza Strip are being held, according to Israeli media on Monday. Israeli authorities began digging trenches around a section of the prison housing Palestinians detained from Gaza over allegations of involvement in the October 7, 2023, events. According to a plan by Ben-Gvir, crocodiles will be placed in these trenches. The temporary order will remain in effect until authorities submit their response to the court, which is expected by mid-August. About 9,500 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, are currently held in Israeli prisons under harsh conditions, with dozens reported to have died as a result of starvation, torture and medical neglect, according to Palestinian and Israeli rights organisations.