The report released by the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, detailed graphic accounts of physical abuse suffered by Gazans released from Israeli detention. These included being forced to sit on their knees for hours, being deprived of food and water, and being urinated on. Witnesses also described beatings with metal bars and boots, along with other humiliating and violent acts. While the New York Times could not independently verify these accounts, some testimonies matched previous reports by other released detainees and their families.
Israeli forces have arrested thousands of Gazans during their campaign against Hamas, including women, children, and older individuals. The Israeli military claims to arrest those suspected of involvement with Hamas, but the UNRWA report suggests that mistreatment and abuse have occurred. The Israeli government has not responded to the report, but in the past, officials have stated that detainees are held according to the law and that their basic rights are respected.
UNRWA staff collected testimonies from over 100 released Gazans at the Kerem Shalom crossing. Many of these detainees were transferred to military holding facilities in Israel before being sent to civilian prisons. The report highlighted instances of beatings, lack of access to basic necessities, and threats of harm to detainees and their families. Some prisoners were subjected to sexual violence and harassment, according to the testimonies, with claims of genital beatings, aggressive searches, and forced nudity.
The Israeli military, in response to the leaked UNRWA report, reiterated that all mistreatment of detainees was prohibited and that complaints were reviewed by relevant authorities. The military stated that medical care was available for all detainees and that mistreatment violated the values of the Israeli Defense Forces. Reports of deaths in custody, both in the military facilities and civilian prisons, were acknowledged by Israeli authorities, and investigations are ongoing into those cases.
UNRWA, which has been accused of harboring Hamas members, faced scrutiny from major foreign donors. The agency has fired staff members accused of ties to Hamas and is undergoing investigations to address these allegations. The UNRWA report highlighted instances where its own staff members were mistreated, threatened, and abused while in Israeli detention. They were pressured to provide false information linking UNRWA to Hamas and the October 7 attack on Israel.
Overall, the UNRWA report sheds light on the severe abuse suffered by Gazans released from Israeli detention, including physical beatings, threats, and humiliation. It raises concerns about the treatment of detainees, including allegations of sexual violence and mistreatment. The Israeli military has denied allegations of systemic abuse and stated that all complaints are thoroughly reviewed. Investigations are ongoing into the reported deaths of Palestinian prisoners while in custody. The situation underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and respect for basic human rights in detention facilities.
