Former prisoners who suffered in US detention facilities say Israeli abuse of Palestinians follows the same patterns.
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the parallels between the treatment of prisoners in US detention facilities and the abuse of Palestinians by Israeli forces. Former prisoners who have experienced both systems firsthand have spoken out about the striking similarities in the tactics used by both governments.
One such individual is Khaled Al-Sabawi, a Palestinian-American who was detained by Israeli forces for participating in a peaceful protest in the West Bank. Al-Sabawi describes being subjected to physical and psychological torture during his time in Israeli custody, including beatings, sleep deprivation, and solitary confinement. These are tactics that are all too familiar to many former prisoners in the US, where reports of abuse and mistreatment are all too common.
Al-Sabawi’s experiences are not unique. Many other former prisoners have come forward with similar stories of mistreatment at the hands of Israeli forces. These accounts paint a disturbing picture of a system that routinely violates the rights of Palestinian detainees, using tactics that are eerily reminiscent of those employed in US detention facilities.
One of the most striking similarities between the two systems is the use of solitary confinement as a form of punishment. In both the US and Israel, solitary confinement is often used as a means of exerting control over prisoners and breaking their spirits. Former prisoners have described the psychological toll that solitary confinement takes, with many experiencing hallucinations, anxiety, and depression as a result of being isolated for extended periods of time.
Another common tactic used by both governments is the use of physical violence against detainees. Former prisoners have reported being beaten, kicked, and punched by guards in both US and Israeli detention facilities. This kind of brutality is not only a violation of international law but also serves to dehumanize prisoners and strip them of their dignity.
In addition to physical abuse, former prisoners have also spoken out about the psychological tactics used to intimidate and control them. These include sleep deprivation, sensory deprivation, and constant surveillance. By subjecting prisoners to these kinds of conditions, both the US and Israel seek to break their will and force them to comply with their demands.
The parallels between the treatment of prisoners in US detention facilities and the abuse of Palestinians by Israeli forces are deeply troubling. They point to a systemic problem that extends beyond national borders and speaks to a larger culture of violence and dehumanization. As more former prisoners come forward with their stories, it becomes increasingly clear that these abuses are not isolated incidents but rather part of a larger pattern of behavior.
It is crucial that we listen to the voices of those who have experienced these abuses firsthand and work to hold both the US and Israel accountable for their actions. By shining a light on these injustices and demanding justice for those who have been wronged, we can begin to create a world where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their nationality or background.