The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, stated on Wednesday that accountability is essential for violations against Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons.
Lazzarini described these abuses as “humanity at its worst,” highlighting that UNRWA had previously exposed “inhumane practices” in Israeli detention centers back in April. He referenced recent reports from both the UN human rights office and the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories (B’tselem), which detail a systematic and deliberate policy of dehumanization and torture against Palestinians.
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“No one seems to be spared: no one is safe even in Israel,” Lazzarini remarked, emphasizing that those responsible must face justice and survivors should receive proper redress.
A video circulated by several Israeli media outlets allegedly shows Israeli soldiers raping a Palestinian detainee at Sde Teiman Prison in the Negev desert. Recently, ten soldiers were arrested in connection with the alleged rape, though three were released after new evidence emerged.
Reports of severe abuses against Palestinian detainees have surged since the beginning of Israel’s offensive on Gaza. Israel’s Supreme Court is currently reviewing a petition by human rights organizations concerning the treatment of detainees, who face torture and medical neglect at the prison.
Although Israeli authorities claim to investigate such incidents, significant outcomes are infrequently observed. The incident has prompted reactions from far-right Israeli groups, including protests led by a member of parliament, a minister, and demonstrators at a military court building.
