Geneva: The UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Alice Edwards, on Tuesday called for an independent and transparent investigation into violations against Palestinian detainees in Israeli detention centers. She urged Israel to review and revise its detention laws, policies, and practices, in her latest transmission of a substantial body of torture allegations, including sexual violence, and other serious abuses, to Israeli authorities.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, Edwards highlighted that emergency measures introduced after 7 October 2023 have exposed Palestinian detainees to torture, potentially unlawful deaths, incommunicado detention, and degrading conditions. Edwards stated that the number and cruelty of allegations compiled portray a gross disregard by Israel of its duty to treat all detainees humanely and without discrimination, which has encouraged, tolerated, and condoned torture and ill-treatment, reportedly with support at ministerial and functional levels.
Her investigation documented 52 incidents of different forms of torture or other ill-treatment, and another 33 incidents of sexual torture and other sexualized ill-treatment. Many individuals reported being subjected to multiple forms of abuse, including severe beatings, stress positions, excessive restraints, electrocution, sleep deprivation, malnutrition, and starvation. Conditions were described as inhumane and degrading, marked by overcrowding, unhygienic conditions, spread of diseases, denial of medical care, and lack of sunlight and ventilation.
Allegations of sexual torture included one case of repeated anal and vaginal rape, and two cases of object-rape. Eleven male detainees reported beatings, genital electrocuting, and mauling by dogs. Humiliating strip searches and intimidating sexual gazing at both female and male detainees were also recorded.
Reports of at least 94 deaths in custody since October 2023, which remain uninvestigated, have raised heightened alarm. Post-mortem examinations in several cases showed multiple rib fractures, skin and internal organ hemorrhages, and lacerations of intra-abdominal organs, with one child reported among those deceased.
Edwards emphasized, 'These testimonies are deeply distressing. Behind every allegation is a human being who was wholly dependent on those exercising power over them. The absolute prohibition on torture exists precisely for such moments, when law, restraint, and humanity are most needed.' She called for full, independent, and transparent investigations, and accountability where violations are established.
Her communication reported that of 1,680 complaints filed against Israeli intelligence services, none had led to indictment. Of the mere 52 cases under investigation by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division, only a handful had been pursued. Edwards specifically sought clarity on the Military Advocate's decision on 12 March 2026 to drop charges in a case involving an alleged rape of a Palestinian detainee, a case previously raised by the Special Rapporteur.
'I remind officials at every level that torture is an international crime against which no amnesties or immunities are permitted. Individual responsibility cannot be avoided by invoking defenses of superior orders,' Edwards said. She reiterated her call for immediate remedial actions and for 'the release of all arbitrarily detained Palestinians or their swift prosecution in fair proceedings.'