Gaza – Hamas and islamic Jihad announced thay will hand over the remains of additional hostages to mediators at 7 p.m. local time, according to reports emerging from Geneva during a session focused on alleged human rights violations. The announcement comes amid escalating accusations of mistreatment of prisoners and civilians by both sides of the conflict.
Reports from United Nations bodies, Israeli, Palestinian, and international NGOs indicate a “strong escalation” in the mistreatment of Palestinians since October 7, 2023, reaching “unprecedented levels” and occurring “in all impunity,” stated Mr. Kessing during the session.
A July 2024 report from the Office of the United Nations High commissioner for Human Rights detailed that many Palestinians have been held incommunicado since October 7, 2023, with some reportedly subjected to treatment that could constitute torture.
Similar accusations have been leveled against Hamas regarding its treatment of hostages held in Gaza.
During the Geneva session, Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Daniel Meron, dismissed the accusations against Israel as “disinformation,” specifically rejecting assertions made by UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and the UN-mandated international commission of inquiry. The commission previously accused Israel of committing “genocide” in September.
Meron asserted that “Israel is committed to its obligations under international law” even while facing “challenges posed by a terrorist association that does not hesitate to openly declare its desire to inflict maximum suffering on civilians in gaza.”
Mr. Kessing emphasized that violations by one party to the conflict do not excuse violations by the other. He stated the committee is “aware” of details regarding “acts of torture committed by Hamas against Israeli soldiers and civilians” and will consider this information during a subsequent session regarding the State of Palestine.
Palestinian prisoners are welcomed upon their arrival in the Gaza Strip, after their release from an Israeli prison, November 12, 2025. (ABDEL KAREEM HANA/AP)
