Sara Hashash, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, revealed that recent research documented "harrowing torture and other ill-treatment" of Palestinian detainees at Sde Teiman and other Israeli detention facilities. Hashash emphasized that such practices, including torture and sexual violence, constitute war crimes under international law.

The organization interviewed 27 former detainees, including 20 men, six women, and one child, all civilians from the Gaza Strip. These individuals reported being subjected to severe abuse, including being blindfolded and handcuffed for extended periods, forced into stress positions, and deprived of communication.

Hashash noted that the detainees' accounts are consistent with findings from other human rights organizations and UN bodies. Reports also include allegations of gang-rape, further compounding the evidence of systemic abuse.

Due to Israel's history of inadequate investigations into torture claims, Amnesty International has called for an independent probe by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor’s office. The organization also urged the international community to demand unrestricted access for independent monitors to Israeli detention facilities.

An Israeli military court recently extended the detention of five soldiers accused of sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee at Sde Teiman. Reports indicate that ten soldiers were initially detained for causing severe injuries to the detainee, with five later released.

The Israeli military has been accused of detaining thousands of Palestinians, including women, children, and medics, since October 7, 2023. Israeli human rights group B’Tselem reported that at least 60 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody since the onset of the conflict, with testimonies pointing to systemic abuse and torture.

Amnesty International's call for an independent investigation and access to detention centers underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice for the victims of these alleged war crimes. (ILKHA)