Human Rights Groups Raise Concerns over Treatment of Gaza Detainees by Israeli Military

ICARO Media Group
Politics
23/07/2024 18h15

In recent months, Israeli human rights organizations have expressed growing alarm over the treatment of Palestinian detainees from the Gaza Strip at the hands of the Israeli military. Accounts of abuse, lack of due process, and denial of basic rights have emerged, leading to calls for improved conditions and transparency.

According to Physicians for Human Rights Israel, over 3,000 Palestinians have been rounded up since an attack on October 7 by Hamas-led militants, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel and the capture of 240 hostages. Most detainees are reportedly held without due process, leading to prolonged incarcerations as per the amended Unlawful Combatants Law.

Sofian Abu Salah, a former taxi driver, described his ordeal after being separated from his family and taken into custody. Detainees were forced to strip down to their underwear before being loaded onto trucks and transferred to an unknown prison in Israel. Salah alleges that he was blindfolded, handcuffed, and subjected to beatings during his 52-day incarceration with no access to legal representation or contact with his family.

Similar testimonies have emerged, including claims of mistreatment, prolonged handcuffing, and extreme stress positions. Some prisoners reported being held in cages without basic amenities or proper medical care. Consequently, international human rights groups have joined forces to petition the Israeli Supreme Court, calling for improved conditions and the closure of the makeshift prison facility at Sde Teiman.

Noa Sattath, executive director of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, highlighted serious human rights violations occurring at Sde Teiman. Detainees were allegedly held in cages without beds or appropriate facilities, leading to violations of their basic rights. Some prisoners were allegedly handcuffed in positions causing circulation issues, resulting in the need for amputations. Sattath emphasized that Israel's treatment of detainees is in violation of international law and obligations.

The military and prison service have denied allegations of systematic abuse but acknowledged ongoing investigations into suspected violations of the laws of war, including the conditions at Sde Teiman and deaths of detainees in IDF custody. However, they have not disclosed the number of Palestinian deaths in custody since October 7. The Supreme Court is currently considering the request to close down Sde Teiman due to overcrowding and concerns over the treatment of detainees.

The situation has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the Israeli military justice system. Human rights organizations are advocating for improved due process, access to legal representation, and better conditions for detainees. As the investigations continue and pressure mounts, the fate of those detained in Gaza remains uncertain, leaving international observers questioning Israel's compliance with human rights standards.

(Note: The numbers and entities mentioned in the provided information have been incorporated into the article.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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