UN Special Rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards has called on Israel to investigate multiple allegations of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of Palestinian detainees since October 7,2023.
Edwards said in a statement that she had received allegations of people being beaten up, kept blindfolded in cells and handcuffed for long periods.
She also received reports of some detainees being 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 an absence of accountability and transparency, is creating a permissive environment for further abusive and humiliating treatment of Palestinians.
“Those responsible at all levels, including commanders, must be held accountable, while victims have a right to reparation and compensation.”
Alice Jill Edwards
Prior to Edwards’ statement, the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor disclosed that it has gathered testimonies from 100 Palestinians who were arrested in Gaza, saying Israeli forces routinely subjected them to “horrific crimes,” including enforced disappearance, murder, torture, inhuman treatment and sexual violence.
The group said that the testimonies confirm the Israeli use of physical and psychological torture against Palestinian civilian detainees, including “beatings with the intent to kill, sexual violence, electrocution, blindfolding, and long-term hand and foot shackles.”
“Israel also denied them access to food and medical care, including critical and life-saving care, spat and urinated on detainees, and committed other cruel and degrading acts,” it added.
Also, the group criticised the ICC Prosecutor, Karim Khan for disregarding “the widespread and systematic torture” committed by Israeli forces against Palestinians when he applied for an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant.
The group stated that the charges Khan levied against the two Israeli leaders include deliberately starving civilians, murder and extermination, but “not torture, even though there is ample evidence to support such allegations.”
It added that the court must take action in “submitting specialised reports about the crimes which Palestinian prisoners and detainees have been exposed to in Israeli prisons and detention centres since October 7” and issue arrest warrants for all those responsible for these crimes.
Israel Defiant In Its War On Gaza
Meanwhile, Israel’s government said that nothing will stop it from continuing its war on Gaza.
“No power on Earth will stop Israel from protecting its citizens and going after Hamas in Gaza,” government spokesman Avi Hyman told reporters when asked whether Israel would comply with a possible ICJ ruling against it.
Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant said that the Israeli army is stepping up operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where a ground offensive has been under way.
“This action will go on and on, more forces from the ground, more forces from the air, and we will reach our goals,” Gallant said while touring the Gaza coast to inspect the capabilities of the Israeli navy.
Israel’s ground and air offensive against the city has caused the displacement of more than 800,000 Palestinians who were sheltering there, the UN says.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said that it would rule on South Africa’s request to order a halt to Israel’s offensive on Rafah on Friday, May 24, 2024.
Earlier, an Israeli newspaper reported that senior Israeli officials are growing concerned about the verdict.
The officials fear a stern ruling from the ICJ could open Israel up to international sanctions.
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