The UN Human Rights Office has released a disturbing report about the detention of thousands of Palestinians by Israeli authorities since last October. The report highlights severe human rights violations, including torture and mistreatment.
Mass Detentions and Secret Arrests
Since October 7, thousands of Palestinians have been detained by Israeli forces, including medical staff, patients, and civilians fleeing conflict. These detentions often happen without any explanation or access to legal help. Many detainees are taken from Gaza to Israel, usually blindfolded and shackled, and held in secret locations.
Deaths and Terrible Conditions
The report reveals that at least 53 Palestinian detainees have died in Israeli prisons since October 7. The conditions of detention are appalling, with many detainees, including children, held in military-run facilities. Detainees report being kept in cage-like cells stripped naked, and subjected to extreme conditions like prolonged blindfolding, deprivation of food, sleep, and water, and even electric shocks and burns.
Horrifying Torture and Abuse
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk highlighted testimonies describing shocking acts of torture. Detainees have reported being waterboarded, attacked by dogs, suspended from the ceiling, and subjected to sexual and gender-based violence. The report also mentions the inhumane treatment of hostages taken by Hamas, including lack of food and medical care, and beatings.
Lack of Accountability
The Israeli military rarely explains the reasons for these detentions and has not provided information on the fate of many detainees. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been denied access to the detention facilities. Additionally, the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank is also criticized for arbitrary detentions and torture, mainly to suppress political opposition.
International Law Violations
The report emphasizes that international humanitarian law requires humane treatment of all detainees and strictly prohibits torture and ill-treatment. Secret and prolonged detention can amount to torture.
Calls for Justice and Release
Türk has called for the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza and Palestinians arbitrarily detained by Israel. He urges prompt and transparent investigations into these violations, accountability for perpetrators, and justice for the victims and their families.
This UN report shines a light on the grim reality faced by thousands of Palestinians in Israeli custody, revealing a widespread and systematic pattern of abuse and neglect that demands urgent international attention.
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