News|Israel-Palestine conflictIsrael systematically torturing Palestinians in custody, says UN expertReport by Francesca Albanese says Palestinians in custody ‘subjected to exceptionally ruthless physical and psychological abuse’ since Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza started.

A report by Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights situation in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, was released on Fri, Oct 20, 2023. The report examines allegations of systematic torture against Palestinians by Israeli authorities, describing the use of torture in detention as punitive collective action since Oct 7, 2023.

The report outlines various abuses, including physical and psychological mistreatment, sexual violence, and deprivation of basic human conditions. These actions have reportedly affected tens of thousands of Palestinians. Albanese collected over 300 testimonies as part of the investigation.

The report emphasizes that torture has become a tool for domination and punishment, affecting men, women, and children through abuse, forced displacement, and deprivation of resources.

Israel is a signatory to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Since Oct 2023, there has been a significant increase in arrests, with over 18,500 Palestinians detained, including 1,500 children. The report indicates that approximately 9,000 Palestinians remain in detention, with over 4,000 subjected to enforced disappearance.

Albanese urges Israel to cease acts of torture and ill-treatment and calls on international actors to prevent further harm. The report also recommends that the International Criminal Court prosecutor issue arrest warrants for specific Israeli government officials.

Albanese is scheduled to present the findings to the UN Human Rights Council on Mon, Oct 23, 2023. It is important to note that her role as a Special Rapporteur is independent and does not represent the UN officially.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.