Alarming Allegations of Sexual Abuse in Israeli Prisons: Testimonies from Palestinian Detainees

Sat Dec 20 2025 03:26:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent testimonies reveal disturbing accounts of sexual abuse and torture faced by Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons, shedding light on a human rights crisis worsened by renewed conflict.

Two Palestinian men have bravely shared their harrowing experiences of sexual abuse while detained in Israeli prisons, coinciding with a critical report from the UN Committee against Torture. The allegations, which follow a series of significant claims regarding treatment of security detainees, paint a concerning picture of systemic abuse within a context of escalating violence. The Israeli government has denied these allegations amid accusations of heightened abuses within prison facilities.

This article contains descriptions of sexual abuse and violence which some readers may find distressing.

Two Palestinian men have told the BBC they personally experienced the type of beatings and sexual abuse highlighted in recent reports into the treatment of prisoners in Israeli detention.

The United Nations Committee against Torture expressed deep concern about reports indicating a systematic policy of organized and widespread torture and mistreatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails, with claims intensifying following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023.

Reports from Israeli and Palestinian rights groups allege systematic abuse, which the Israeli government has denied, arguing that public outrage over the attacks has fostered a culture of impunity towards detainees, especially those perceived to support Hamas.

One detainee, Sami al-Saei, shared a horrifying account of his experience in Megiddo prison. He described being sexually abused by guards who purportedly engaged in torture while laughing, stating, I was hoping to die and be done from that. The guards subjected him to severe physical injuries as they abused him

In a separate account, another Palestinian, identified as Ahmed, spoke of being sexually humiliated and physically assaulted during his detention after praising the Hamas attacks.

These allegations of mistreatment and abuse come amidst a backdrop of increased scrutiny on Israel's detention practices, which have reportedly escalated following heightened conflict. The UN reports and testimonies highlight the urgent need for thorough investigations into the treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. As the situation unfolds, rights groups and international agencies continue to call for accountability and humane treatment in line with international law.