UN Report Details Widespread Torture of Palestinian Detainees by Israel
- A recent UN report accuses Israel of arbitrarily detaining thousands of Palestinians and committing severe torture during the Gaza conflict.
- The report highlights numerous cases of abuse, including torture and sexual violence, against detainees held in secret locations.
- The findings come amidst an ongoing investigation into abuse by Israeli soldiers and claims of severe mistreatment in Israeli detention facilities.
A new report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has unveiled alarming details about the treatment of Palestinian detainees by Israel during the Gaza conflict. The 23-page document, released on Wednesday, accuses Israel of detaining thousands of Palestinians, including medical staff, in arbitrary and prolonged detention without legal representation or clear reasons.
According to the report, as of the end of June, Israel’s prison service held over 9,400 detainees under “security” charges. Many of these individuals were reportedly shackled and blindfolded upon their transfer from Gaza to Israel. The report cites at least 53 deaths in detention and details allegations of severe torture, including physical abuse, sexual violence, and deprivation of basic needs like food and water.
The report emerged amid a tense period in Israel, where far-right politicians and demonstrators have opposed investigations into alleged abuse of detainees. The UN’s findings, based on interviews with released prisoners, describe horrific conditions, such as cage-like cells, prolonged stripping of detainees, and other forms of brutal treatment.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk condemned the actions as severe violations of international law. The Israeli military has been criticized for its lack of transparency regarding the reasons for detentions and the fate of those held. The Red Cross has faced restrictions in accessing detention facilities, further complicating the situation for monitoring and aid.