UN Expert Condemns Torture of Palestinian Detainees in Israeli Prisons

UN Rapporteur Calls for Investigation into Abuse of Palestinian Prisoners

Geneva:  A United Nations human rights expert has condemned what she described as systematic torture and serious violations committed against Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons.

Alice Jill Edwards, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, said in a statement that emergency measures imposed by Israeli authorities since October 2023 exposed Palestinian detainees to torture, degrading treatment and incommunicado detention.

She said recurring testimonies reflected serious concerns regarding compliance with humanitarian and legal obligations.

Edwards stated that she had documented dozens of cases involving physical and psychological abuse, including severe beatings, electric shocks, sleep deprivation, starvation and acute malnutrition.

She also expressed concern over the deaths of at least 94 Palestinian detainees in Israeli detention facilities since October 2023, noting that no investigations had been announced into those cases.

According to the statement, autopsy reports in several cases showed fractured ribs, internal injuries and other signs consistent with severe abuse.

The UN expert called for comprehensive, independent and transparent investigations to hold those responsible accountable.

The Palestinian Prisoner’s Club said Israeli forces had arrested around 23,000 Palestinians in the West Bank since October 2023, including women, children, wounded individuals and former detainees.

The organisation added that the figure does not include detainees from Gaza, where hundreds remain under enforced disappearance without disclosure of their whereabouts.

Separately, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s interception of vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters and the detention of participants.

The ministry described the incident as a violation of international law and international humanitarian law, adding that the continued blockade on Gaza is worsening humanitarian conditions and undermining efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

It also expressed concern over the safety of detained activists and called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to take action to protect humanitarian missions and support efforts to lift the blockade on Gaza.

The United Nations had earlier called for ensuring the safety of all activists aboard the flotilla.

Israeli authorities stated on Tuesday that 430 activists aboard the flotilla were being transferred to Israel after their vessels were intercepted at sea.