UN Committee Accuses Israel of “De Facto Policy of Torture” Following Review of Palestinian Detainee Treatment
GENEVA – A United Nations committee reviewing Israel’s adherence too the Convention Against Torture has concluded there is evidence suggesting a “de facto state policy of organised and widespread torture,” following testimony from both Israeli and Palestinian rights groups. The findings, published today, detail harrowing allegations of abuse within Israeli detention centers, particularly since the October 7th, 2023 Hamas attacks.
The committee regularly assesses the records of countries party to the Convention, gathering details from governments and human rights organizations. during Israel’s review, concerns were raised over the detention of thousands of Palestinians. Israel employs laws allowing for administrative detention and the designation of “Unlawful Combatants” – individuals not classified as prisoners of war – enabling prolonged detention without access to legal counsel or family contact.
The UN committee highlighted the practice of families being left for months without information regarding the whereabouts of detained loved ones, characterizing this as “enforced disappearance.” Particular criticism was leveled at Israel’s use of the “Unlawful Combatants” law to detain vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
The most disturbing allegations center on conditions within detention facilities. evidence presented to the committee suggests Palestinians are routinely denied food and water and subjected to severe beatings, attacks by dogs, electrocution, waterboarding, and sexual violence. Reports also allege instances of permanent shackling, denial of toilet access, and forced use of diapers.
The committee stated that such treatment ”amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity.” Furthermore, it asserted that evidence of a “de facto state policy of organised and widespread torture” constitutes an act that could fall under the definition of genocide under international law.
Israel has consistently rejected accusations of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
context: The Convention Against Torture is an international human rights treaty requiring states to take concrete steps to prevent torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. Israel ratified the treaty in 1991. The UN committee’s findings are non-binding but carry notable moral and political weight, perhaps prompting further investigation and international pressure.
