The United Nations Committee on Torture has reported evidence suggesting that Israel is implementing a “de facto state policy of organized and widespread torture.” This committee monitors compliance with the Convention Against Torture among member countries, gathering testimonies from both governments and human rights organizations.
During a recent review focused on Israel, both Israeli and Palestinian rights groups presented accounts of conditions in Israeli detention facilities. Since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, thousands of Palestinians have reportedly been detained under Israeli laws pertaining to administrative detention and Unlawful Combatants, which allow prolonged detention without access to legal counsel or family contact.
Many Palestinian families have described lengthy delays in being informed about the detention of their relatives, a situation the UN committee classified as “enforced disappearance.” The committee criticized Israel’s use of the Unlawful Combatants law, which has led to the detention of various groups, including children and the elderly.
The findings highlighted troubling conditions within these detention centers, where evidence suggests detainees are denied basic necessities like food and water and subjected to severe abuses, including beatings and sexual violence. The committee stated that such treatment could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, and noted that it might even fit the definition of genocide under international law.
In response to the allegations, Israel has consistently denied accusations of committing genocide and described claims of torture as “disinformation.” The Israeli ambassador to the UN emphasized Israel’s commitment to uphold moral values and principles in its security operations.
The committee emphasized the absolute nature of the prohibition on torture under international law, which applies regardless of the security context. Israel interprets its legal obligations differently in relation to the occupied territories, a stance that is debated by many international legal experts.
The report comes amidst growing scrutiny of Israel’s human rights practices, with recent reports highlighting incidents in the West Bank and dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckglrdg6kz7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss