Gaza Abuse Claims: UN Urges Israel to Launch Independent Probe
GENEVA — A United Nations human rights committee has called on Israel to establish an independent investigatory commission to examine allegations of systematic torture and ill-treatment of Palestinians, warning that conditions have “gravely intensified” since the start of the Gaza war.
In a report published on Friday, the UN Committee against Torture — a body of 10 independent experts monitoring global compliance with the Convention against Torture — expressed deep concern over what it described as “a de facto state policy of organized and widespread torture and ill-treatment” in Israel.
While the committee “unequivocally condemned” the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas and other armed groups, it also raised serious concerns over “the disproportionate nature of Israel’s response” and the impact of longstanding Israeli policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The experts urged Israeli authorities to “establish an independent, impartial and effective ad hoc investigatory commission to review and investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment committed during the current armed conflict.” They further recommended prosecuting those found responsible, including military superiors, and ensuring the swift entry of humanitarian aid and personnel into Gaza.
During a recent review session in Geneva, committee rapporteur Peter Vedel Kessing stated that experts were “deeply appalled” by testimony indicating “systematic and widespread torture and ill-treatment of Palestinians, including children.” The report cited alleged methods such as severe beatings, dog attacks, electrocution, water-boarding, prolonged stress positions, and sexual violence.
Israeli Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Daniel Meron, rejected the allegations during the review, labeling them “disinformation.” He reiterated Israel’s commitment to upholding its moral and legal obligations “even in the face of the challenges posed by a terrorist organization.”
The committee’s findings come amid ongoing military operations and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the UN body emphasizing that conditions faced by Palestinians risk amounting to “cruel, inhuman or degrading living conditions.”
Also Read:
May Saw a Two-Year High for Saudi Arabia’s Non-Oil Exports of $7.70 Billion, According to GASTAT.
