UN Expert Accuses Israel of Systematic Torture of Palestinians in New Report

UN Expert Accuses Israel of Systematic Torture of Palestinians in New Report
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A United Nations expert has accused Israel of systematically torturing Palestinians on a large scale since October 2023, according to a report cited by Al Jazeera.

The report, authored by Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, alleges that Palestinians in detention have faced severe physical and psychological abuse, including beatings, deprivation, and other forms of mistreatment. It describes the practices as widespread and potentially amounting to collective punishment.

Based on hundreds of testimonies, the report states that arrests have increased significantly, with more than 18,500 Palestinians detained, including at least 1,500 children, and around 9,000 still in custody. It also raises concerns over enforced disappearances and conditions in detention facilities.

Albanese called for an immediate end to alleged abuses and urged international action, including potential investigations by the International Criminal Court. She is expected to present the findings to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Israel has rejected similar accusations in the past, while the report has also drawn criticism from some countries and advocacy groups.