WORLD NEWS
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has released a disturbing 23-page report detailing allegations of widespread torture and arbitrary detention of Palestinians by Israel. The report, published on Wednesday, outlines severe abuses reported by detainees from October 7 to June 30.
According to the report, thousands of Palestinians, including medical staff, have been detained by Israel since the onset of the Gaza conflict. These detainees are reportedly held incommunicado, shackled, and blindfolded, often without being informed of the reasons for their detention or given access to legal representation.
The report highlights that as of June 30, Israel's prison system held over 9,400 “security detainees.” It notes that at least 53 Palestinian detainees have died under Israeli detention, with reports of severe mistreatment including torture, sexual abuse, and other forms of cruel and inhuman treatment.
The UN report also mentions allegations of detainees being held in "cage-like facilities," stripped naked for extended periods, and subjected to deprivation of food, sleep, and water. Other forms of abuse reported include being burned with cigarettes, waterboarding, and the release of dogs on detainees. Both men and women detainees have reported instances of sexual and gender-based violence.
This report comes amid a tense situation in Israel, where far-right politicians and demonstrators are opposing an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of detainees by Israeli soldiers. The Israeli military is currently investigating claims of abuse at the Sde Teiman detention camp in the Negev desert, involving nine soldiers.
Former Palestinian detainees have shared their harrowing experiences, including being held in Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank, where they report severe torture and mistreatment.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk condemned the actions described in the report as "flagrant violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law." The report also criticizes Israel for its lack of transparency regarding detainee fates and its denial of access to facilities for the Red Cross.
The findings underscore ongoing concerns about human rights abuses in the context of the Gaza conflict and highlight the urgent need for accountability and reform.