Palestinians in Israeli Custody Face High Death Toll and Abuse Since October

 

By - Mahadi Tukur Almizan

Since October, at least 18 Palestinians have died while in Israeli custody, marking the highest death toll from torture since 1967, according to a report by the Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners Society.

According to Almayadeen forces have detained over 9,400 Palestinians from the West Bank and abducted thousands from Gaza and hundreds from other areas since October 7, as reported by the two organizations.

The detainees have faced severe abuse, including torture, sexual assault, and rape, the report highlighted.

A UN committee investigating human rights violations in occupied Palestinian territories accused Israeli forces of widespread sexual abuse, degradation, and dehumanization of Palestinian prisoners. The committee expressed shock over the impunity with which such violations were carried out, including incidents of sexual harassment and the use of dogs to intimidate detainees.

Furthermore, an independent global panel operating under UN auspices declared that Israeli authorities could be held accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza since October 7, 2023.

An example of Palestinians' daily suffering before October 7th under Israeli occupation: Israeli soldiers use dogs to brutally assault and arrest a terrified Palestinian child. #GazaGenocide pic.twitter.com/hYDXnfpngq

— Ramy Abdu| رامي عبده (@RamAbdu) June 26, 2024

An internal report from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine detailed additional abuses, such as beatings, dog attacks, prolonged stress positions, and sexual assaults in Israeli detention centers.

The report highlighted the testimonies of Palestinian detainees, including children as young as six, women, and individuals with chronic health conditions, who described being held in crowded military barracks and subjected to extended periods of interrogation.

The situation has drawn international condemnation for the severe human rights violations and calls for accountability from Israeli authorities.