The United Nations committee on torture says there is evidence that Israel is operating a de facto state policy of organised and widespread torture.
The committee regularly reviews the records of all countries which have signed the convention against torture, taking testimony from their governments and from human rights groups.
During Israel's review, both Israeli and Palestinian rights groups provided harrowing details about conditions in Israeli detention centres, claiming thousands of Palestinians have been detained since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
Under Israeli laws pertaining to administrative detention and unlawful combatants, individuals can be held without access to legal counsel or family members for extensive periods of time. Many Palestinian families report waiting months just to learn whether a loved one has been detained, a situation the UN committee has termed enforced disappearance.
The report heavily criticized Israel's application of the unlawful combatants law, which has resulted in the detention of entire groups of Palestinians, including children and the elderly.
The committee's conclusions, published today, reveal particularly grim details about conditions in Israeli detention facilities. Allegations suggest Palestinians face regular deprivation of food and water, severe beatings, and other forms of torture, including electrocution and sexual violence. Some detainees are allegedly shackled, denied access to toilets, and forced to wear diapers.
The evidence presented indicates that this treatment qualifies as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The committee emphasized that such a systematic approach to torture by Israel could constitute an act of genocide under international law.
Despite these serious allegations, Israel has consistently refuted claims of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
One committee member expressed being deeply appalled by the testimonies, noting the absence of investigations or accountability for these claims. They urged Israel to initiate independent investigations to hold responsible parties accountable, including senior military officials.
Israel's ambassador at the UN hearings dismissed allegations of torture as disinformation and insisted on the country's commitment to uphold its moral obligations despite challenges posed by terrorist activities.
In its findings, the UN committee condemned Hamas's attack in October 2023 and acknowledged Israel's security challenges. However, it reiterated that violations of international law by one party cannot justify similar actions by the other. The prohibition against torture is absolute under the convention to which Israel is a party.
Recent developments, including the deaths of two Palestinians purportedly executed by Israeli soldiers and dire humanitarian conditions worsening in Gaza, have spotlighted the growing scrutiny over Israel's human rights practices.
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