Amnesty International Calls for Probe into Israel’s Treatment of Palestinian Detainees
Amnesty International has called for an urgent investigation into Israel’s treatment of Palestinian detainees from Gaza, following reports of deaths in military detention centers. The organization has expressed concern over the “enforced disappearance” of these detainees and demanded that the Israeli military disclose their fate and whereabouts.
Since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas militants on October 7, hundreds of Palestinians have been arrested in military operations across the Gaza Strip. Many of them are currently being held in detention centers in southern Israel. Amnesty International’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, Heba Morayef, has emphasized the need for the Israeli forces to provide information to the families of those in custody, especially considering the telecommunications blackouts that have cut off Gazans.
Amnesty International has also called for an investigation into the alleged “inhumane treatment” of the detainees from Gaza. The Israeli army announced on Tuesday that it was looking into the deaths of detainees arrested in Gaza, but did not provide specific details about the number of deaths or the circumstances surrounding them. However, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that “several” detainees had died in these detention facilities, specifically at the Sde Teiman base near the city of Beersheva. According to the report, the detainees at this facility are blindfolded and handcuffed for most of the day, with lights on throughout the night.
Concerns about the fate of detainees from Gaza were heightened last week when Israeli television aired footage showing scores of stripped Palestinian men sitting on a Gaza street under military custody. One clip even showed the arm of a soldier in the foreground, suggesting that it was filmed by a member of the military. In another clip, a group of blindfolded men were seen sitting with their hands tied behind their backs as Israeli soldiers watched over them.
The war between Israel and Hamas began after the Islamist group carried out a deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,140 people, according to official Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of at least 20,000 people, the majority of whom are children and women, according to the Hamas government.
Amnesty International’s call for an investigation into the treatment of Palestinian detainees is crucial in ensuring accountability and justice for those affected. The organization’s demand for transparency from the Israeli military regarding the fate and whereabouts of the detainees is essential for their families and loved ones. It is imperative that the Israeli forces provide detailed information about the grounds of arrest and make every effort to address the concerns raised by Amnesty International.
The alleged inhumane treatment and enforced disappearance of Palestinian detainees from Gaza must be thoroughly investigated to determine the truth and hold those responsible accountable. The international community should support Amnesty International’s call for a probe into these allegations and put pressure on Israel to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld. The lives and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or political affiliation, should be protected and respected.