A United Nations expert called on Thursday (20) for Israel to investigate multiple allegations of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of Palestinian detainees following the October 7 attack by Hamas.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, said in a statement that she had received reports of people being beaten, kept in cells blindfolded and handcuffed for long periods.
There was no immediate reaction from the Israeli government or military. The military says it acts in accordance with Israeli and international laws and that prisoners have access to food, water, medicine and adequate clothing.
The UN Special Rapporteur also said that she had received reports of detainees who were deprived of sleep, threatened with physical and sexual violence, insulted and exposed to humiliating acts, including “being photographed and filmed in degrading poses”.
“I am particularly concerned that this emerging pattern of violations, coupled with the absence of accountability and transparency, creates a permissive environment for the abusive and humiliating treatment of Palestinians,” Edwards said.
“Israeli authorities must investigate all complaints and reports of torture or ill-treatment quickly, impartially, effectively and transparently. Those responsible at all levels, including commanders, must be held accountable, while victims are entitled to redress and compensation.”
Israel's military operation in Gaza was triggered by the October 7 attack by Hamas, which killed 1,200 people and took 253 hostages.
The Israeli offensive that began as a result of the attack killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, according to Hamas health officials, displaced most of Gaza's 2.3 million inhabitants and caused a serious humanitarian crisis.
Source: CNN Brasil
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