UN calls for independent investigations into torture of Palestinian detainees

NEW YORK, May 17 (YPA) – The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said that the torture and mistreatment of Palestinian detainees held by “Israel” is “unacceptable” and called for independent, impartial, and transparent investigations into all cases of death, torture, abuse, and other forms of inhumane treatment.

In a statement issued on Saturday night, UN human rights office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said torture and mistreatment, including sexual and gender-based violence, are being carried out systematically against Palestinians in Israeli detention.

He said the abuses include reports of rape, including cases involving minors, and stressed the need for accountability and compliance with international human rights law.

According to the statement, the UN office has verified the deaths of at least 90 Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody since October 7, 2023. One of the deceased, Al-Kheetan said, was a 17-year-old boy who showed signs of severe starvation at the time of his death.

The spokesperson added that Israeli authorities had released information regarding additional deaths but without sufficient details to independently verify the identities of those who died.

The UN office stressed the need to end such practices and called on “Israel”, as an occupying power, to uphold its obligations under international law and ensure accountability through credible investigations into all allegations of torture, mistreatment, and deaths in custody.

@E.Y.M