B'Tselem Report Reveals Systematic Abuse and Torture of Palestinian Prisoners by Israel

A report from Israeli rights group B'Tselem claims systematic abuse and torture of Palestinian prisoners by Israeli authorities since the start of the Gaza war. The report is based on interviews with 55 Palestinian detainees and alleges torture, arbitrary violence, and sexual abuse, contradicting official Israeli statements denying such practices.

In a recently issued report, Israeli rights group B'Tselem has accused Israel of conducting a systematic policy of prisoner abuse and torture, particularly against Palestinian detainees. The report, unveiled on Monday, bases its findings on interviews with 55 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons since the onset of the Gaza conflict sparked by Hamas' October 7 attack.

B'Tselem's report suggests that the abuse is institutional, involving not just arbitrary violence but also acts of sexual abuse. In response, the Israeli military, responsible for some of the detention centers, asserted adherence to the rule of law, categorically rejecting claims of systematic abuse and emphasizing existing monitoring mechanisms.

The Israel Prison Service also refuted the allegations, maintaining that prisoners receive lawful treatment and basic rights. However, the recurring testimonies of beatings, humiliation, and deprivation provide a stark counter-narrative, raising international concerns over Israel's handling of the conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)