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UN Committee Finds Evidence of Organized Torture by Israel
The United Nations Committee Against Torture has concluded that Israel is operating a "de facto state policy of organized and widespread torture," citing harrowing evidence from Palestinian and Israeli rights groups about conditions in Israeli detention facilities. The findings, released Saturday, allege systemic abuse of thousands of Palestinians detained since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
Detention Without Due Process
Under Israeli laws governing administrative detention and the classification of "Unlawful Combatants," suspects-including civilians-can be held indefinitely without access to legal representation or family contact. The UN committee described this practice as amounting to "enforced disappearance," with families often unaware of their relatives' whereabouts for months.
The committee singled out Israel's use of the Unlawful Combatants law to detain entire groups, including children, pregnant women, and elderly Palestinians, without individual assessments of threat or evidence.
Allegations of Brutality and Degradation
Testimonies presented to the committee detailed severe mistreatment, including deprivation of food and water, beatings, dog attacks, electrocution, waterboarding, and sexual violence. Some detainees were reportedly shackled permanently, denied toilet access, and forced to wear diapers. The committee determined these acts "amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity," adding that such systematic abuse could constitute elements of genocide under international law.
"We are deeply appalled by the evidence presented. The absence of investigations or prosecutions into these allegations is particularly alarming."
Peter Vedel Kessing, UN Committee Against Torture (Denmark)
Israel's Response and Legal Ambiguities
Israel, which has consistently denied accusations of genocide in Gaza, did not publicly address the committee's findings. During hearings, Israeli Ambassador Daniel Meron dismissed the torture allegations as "disinformation," asserting Israel's commitment to "upholding its obligations in line with moral values," despite challenges posed by Hamas, which Israel designates a terrorist organization.
The committee acknowledged Israel's security concerns and condemned Hamas's October 2023 attacks but emphasized that violations by one party do not justify reciprocal breaches. While Israel is a signatory to the UN Convention Against Torture-which prohibits torture under all circumstances-its domestic laws suggest the convention applies only within Israeli territory, excluding Gaza and the West Bank. This interpretation is widely disputed by international legal experts.
Broader Context of Human Rights Criticism
The findings add to mounting pressure on Israel over its human rights record. On Friday, the UN Human Rights Office labeled the killing of two surrendering Palestinians in the West Bank as a potential "summary execution," citing video evidence. Meanwhile, UN aid agencies report dire conditions in Gaza, where thousands remain in tents amid winter weather, with insufficient aid and ongoing Israeli airstrikes targeting alleged Hamas positions.
The committee urged Israel to launch independent investigations into the torture allegations and hold accountable those responsible, including senior military officials.
