Israel Extends House Arrest of Soldiers Accused of Sexual Abuse

Israel's military court has extended the house arrest of soldiers accused of sexually abusing a Palestinian detainee until Sept. 4. The soldiers allegedly abused a member of an elite Hamas unit at a Negev facility. The U.N.'s special rapporteur on torture has urged civilian court involvement.

Israel's military court has extended the house arrest of soldiers accused of sexually abusing a Palestinian detainee until Sept. 4. The military specified that an alternative to detention, such as a place of work and suitable supervisors, could be considered at a defense hearing on Sunday.

The accusations involve the alleged sexual abuse of a member of an elite Hamas unit at the Sde Teiman detention facility in the Negev desert. The United Nations' special rapporteur on torture described the case as 'particularly gruesome' and called for Israel's civilian courts to investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Reports of alleged torture against Palestinians have surged since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in about 1,200 casualties. According to health officials in Gaza, over 40,000 people have died in the ten months of ensuing conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)