UN Expert Alleges Systematic Torture of Palestinians in Israeli Custody

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UN Special Rapporteur Reports on Human Rights Situation in Gaza

A report by Francesca Albanese, the UN’s special rapporteur on the rights situation in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, has found that Palestinians in custody have been subjected to physical and psychological abuse since Israel’s military operation in Gaza began on October 7, 2023.

The report, titled “Torture and Genocide,” examines Israel’s use of torture against Palestinians from the occupied territory. It states that torture has been used on an unprecedented scale as a form of collective punishment.

According to the report, Palestinians in detention have experienced brutal beatings, sexual violence, rape, lethal mistreatment, starvation, and deprivation of basic human conditions. The report also notes that Israel’s detention system has descended into a regime of systemic humiliation, coercion, and terror.

The report is based on written submissions, including at least 300 testimonies, gathered by Albanese since October 2023. It states that over 18,500 Palestinians have been arrested, including at least 1,500 children, with around 9,000 still in detention and more than 4,000 subjected to enforced disappearance.

Albanese has called on Israel to immediately cease all acts of torture and ill-treatment of the Palestinian people. She has also urged countries to take action to stop the destruction of what remains of Palestine, warning that every delay worsens irreversible harm.

The report will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council on Monday. Albanese is an independent expert and does not speak on behalf of the UN.

Source: Al Jazeera