The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, has warned that torture in Israeli prisons has become a “central tool” in what she described as a pattern of grave violations.
In a report presented to the UN Human Rights Council, Albanese said the Israeli detention system has “deteriorated… into something resembling a laboratory for cruel and deliberate practices”, adding that abuses once carried out in secrecy are now occurring more openly.
She stated that the system is increasingly characterised by systematic humiliation, pain and degradation, and warned that prolonged impunity and political backing have enabled such practices to persist.
READ: Israel drops indictments against soldiers accused in Sde Teiman torture case
Albanese pointed to policies associated with Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, as contributing to the entrenchment of torture, collective punishment and inhumane detention conditions.
She stressed that such violations “cannot be justified even in times of war” and called for those responsible to be held accountable, including before the International Criminal Court.
According to the report, since October 2023, more than 18,500 Palestinians have been arrested in the occupied territories, including at least 1,500 children, with thousands reportedly held without charge or trial.
The report also documented allegations of severe treatment, including beatings, starvation, humiliation and other forms of inhumane practices, as well as cases of enforced disappearance and the deaths of nearly 100 detainees in custody.
READ: Israeli economy lost over $57B during 2 years of Gaza war: Central bank
