UN Report Accuses Israel of ‘De Facto State Policy’ of Torture
Geneva, Switzerland – A United Nations committee report alleges israel maintains a “de facto state policy” of organised torture and ill-treatment of palestinian detainees, despite official denials. Published today,the report by the UN Committee Against Torture scrutinised Israel’s compliance with the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel,Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The committee stated Israel reported only one conviction for torture or ill-treatment in a two-year period – the February 2025 sentencing of an Israeli soldier for repeatedly attacking bound and blindfolded detainees from Gaza with fists, a baton, and an assault rifle. The committee deemed the seven-month sentance ”appears not to reflect the severity of the offense.”
The report’s publication coincides with the release of three Israeli border police officers following questioning regarding the fatal shooting of two palestinians, Youssef Asasa and Mahmoud Abdallah, in Jenin.
Video footage of the November 28th incident shows Asasa and Abdallah crawling out of a building with their hands raised and shirts lifted to demonstrate they were unarmed. Both men, identified by Palestinian Islamic Jihad as members of its al-Quds Brigades, were briefly detained before being shot at close range (approximately 2 metres) by border police officers.
Israeli media reports indicate the officers claimed they perceived an “immediate and tangible threat” to their lives, alleging the detainees refused to strip naked, put their hands in their pockets, and attempted to re-enter the building. Though, the video does not corroborate these claims, showing no obvious resistance or concealed hands. The men appeared hesitant to comply with orders to re-enter the building.
the three officers were released after questioning with a condition of silence regarding the case.
