New UN report details allegations of Israel’s torture and inhuman and degrading treatment, including sexual abuse of women and men
(TAMPA, FL, 8/1/2024) – The Florida Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-FL), today said the continuing silence of the Biden administration on multiple reports of Israeli torture, rape and abuse of Palestinian detainees is “enabling the abuse to continue.”
A new report by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Palestinian detainees held by Israel outlines allegations of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, and sexual abuse of women and men. At least 53 Palestinian detainees are known to have died in Israeli military facilities and prisons in recent months.
That report states in part:
“Detainees, including women and children, were also subjected to physical assaults and beatings in military-run detention facilities. Detainees have been subjected to prolonged blindfolding, the prolonged deprivation of food, sleep deprivation, water and medical attention, prolonged exposure to the cold, being forced to kneel on gravel, deliberate humiliation, blackmailing, electric shocks, being burnt with cigarettes, and given hallucinogenic pills…Detainees have reported being held in cage-like facilities, forced to be naked for prolonged periods, wearing only diapers, and denied access to the toilet. Other alleged practices of torture or ill-treatment included waterboarding and being left suspended for hours with hands tied to the ceiling.
“Allegedly, ISF committed acts of sexual and gender-based violence against detained men and women from both Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, descriptions of which included the forced nudity of both men and women; beatings while naked, including on the genitals; electrocution of the genitals and anus; being forced to undergo repeated humiliating strip searches; widespread sexual slurs and threats of rape; and the inappropriate touching of women by both male and female soldiers. There are testimonies of victims as well as video material, that some almost naked, blindfolded and tightly handcuffed male detainees were filmed and photographed in deliberately humiliating positions. In one instance at least, there is video evidence of blindfolded and handcuffed male Palestinian detainees being transported entirely naked. OHCHR has also received consistent reports of ISF personnel inserting objects into detainees’ anuses.”
SEE: Detention in the context of the escalation of hostilities in Gaza
CAIR has repeatedly called on the Biden administration to address reports of Israeli rape and torture of Palestinian prisoners and the alleged summary execution of detainees.
In a statement, CAIR Florida’s Policy Manager, Mari Marks, said:
“The continuing silence of the Biden administration and local on multiple reports of Israeli forces torture, rape, and abuse of Palestinian detainees is enabling the abuse to continue.”
Marks added: “The lack of accountability for the deaths of at least 53 Palestinian detainees in Israeli military facilities and prisons is unacceptable. It is imperative that all United States elected officials speak out against these atrocities and pressure the Israeli government to uphold its human rights obligations.”
Israel has already slaughtered almost 40,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, and displaced the vast majority of its population in a campaign of systematic destruction of homes and infrastructure. More than 1.8 million of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes by Israel.
About CAIR-Florida
CAIR-Florida is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, foster dialogue, safeguard civil liberties for all, empower American Muslims, and form coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR-Florida es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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CONTACT: Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, CAIR-FL Media and Outreach Director, Ph. (305) 502-6749, E: [email protected]
