Geneva, July 3, 2024 – The United Nations has denounced reports of abuse and torture of Palestinian detainees, particularly since the October 7 raid that ignited the crisis in Gaza, and is demanding an immediate investigation.
The UN has long expressed concerns about the conditions for Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. However, according to UN officials, the situation appears to have deteriorated significantly since the onset of the war.
During a recent press conference in Geneva, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk described a case where Israeli troops allegedly tied a wounded Palestinian to a military vehicle during a raid in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin as “sickening” and “totally unacceptable.”
“There must be a transparent and independent investigation to know what happened and to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Turk stated firmly.
Turk’s spokeswoman, Ravina Shamdasani, emphasized the critical need for accountability in such cases. She warned that without accountability, “brazen violations like this will continue with impunity.”
“At some point, you run out of words of condemnation to use for such incidents,” Shamdasani added, underscoring the urgency for decisive action.
The UN’s call for an investigation reflects a growing international outcry over the treatment of Palestinian detainees and highlights the escalating tensions in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, the demand for justice and accountability remains a pressing concern for global human rights advocates.