Dozens of Palestinians recently released from Israeli detention have shared shocking testimonies detailing what they describe as “horrific methods of torture” and degrading treatment while held. Many were arrested during Israeli military operations in Gaza over recent months.
According to local human rights and legal aid groups in Gaza, testimonies depict a disturbing pattern of abuse, which includes physical beatings, prolonged sleep deprivation, forced stress positions, denial of medical care and psychological torture.
“They kept my hands tied behind my back for 72 days while blindfolded and hit me every time I spoke,” recalls Mohammed Abu Issa, 34-year-old detainee held captive for 72 days in Egypt. They wanted me to confess for things that hadn’t been committed; because of how tight their cuffs were they couldn’t sense when time had gone by or feel my fingers.
Abu Issa was one of 44 detainees to provide written and video testimony to Gaza-based Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights upon being released last week, which the center described as credible accounts that highlighted nearly identical forms of abuse reported across multiple individuals.
Rami Shaheen, legal advisor with the center stated, “These incidents do not represent isolated instances; instead we are witnessing systematic torture which violates international humanitarian law.” Most detainees had never been officially charged and/or granted access to legal advice during their detention period.
Detainees included teenagers, elderly individuals and patients detained from Gaza hospitals. One former detainee named Ahmad Al-Kurd (17 years old) reported being subjected to duress when being interrogated under duress, denied food for long periods and threatened with violence against his family members during his time spent detained.
Israeli officials have not provided direct response to recent testimonies but previously noted that all detainees are treated in accordance with Israeli and international law and that security protocols are essential in preventing acts of terrorism.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both raised serious concerns over detainee treatment in Israeli facilities. Both organizations have demanded independent investigations into any reports of torture and mistreatment against Palestinian detainees held at Israeli facilities during Gaza conflict, specifically.
UN officials have also requested Israel grant access to Israeli detention centers for international monitors and legal observers to oversee detainees, “ensuring their safety, dignity, and legal rights are upheld at all times”, as one UN spokesperson said on Tuesday.
As the Gaza conflict shows no signs of abating, advocacy groups fear an increase in arbitrary arrests and reported abuses will continue. “These stories must not go unheard,” according to Shaheen. “The world needs to hear them — and act.”