U.N. Reports Torture and Deaths of Palestinian Detainees

Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have been forcibly removed, with many tortured and detained in Israel, according to a U.N. report. The findings, based on witness testimonies, highlight appalling acts of mistreatment. The report increases pressure on Israel amid international scrutiny over its conduct in the ongoing Gaza war.

Thousands of Palestinians have been forcibly removed from Gaza, sometimes from bomb shelters, and dragged into detention in Israel, where some have been tortured and dozens have died, according to a U.N. human rights office report released on Tuesday.

Many of those seized in Gaza since the war began on October 7 were taken at checkpoints as they fled Israel's military offensive or from the schools and hospitals where they were sheltering, stated the 23-page report. It is primarily based on interviews with released detainees and other victims and witnesses. Often, they were blindfolded and shackled before being transported to Israel and placed in military centers where they endured humiliating conditions, including being forced to wear only diapers for prolonged periods.

The U.N. report mentions 53 detainees have died in custody. High Commissioner Volker Turk condemned the reported torture methods, such as waterboarding, and called for their immediate release. The Israeli military is investigating the allegations but has declined to comment on specific cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)