This article contains descriptions of sexual abuse and violence which some readers may find distressing.
Two Palestinian men have told the BBC they personally experienced the kind of beatings and sexual abuse highlighted in recent reports into the treatment of prisoners in Israeli detention. The United Nations Committee against Torture expressed concern last month regarding reports of a de facto state policy of organised and widespread torture and ill treatment of Palestinian detainees, noting a shocking escalation in abuses following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.
Other rights organizations have reported systematic abuse, while Israel continues to deny all allegations. Human rights groups suggest that the societal backlash against attacks has fostered an environment of impunity concerning the treatment of prisoners accused of supporting Hamas.
Former detainee Sami al-Saei recounted his experience of severe physical and sexual abuse during his detention. He revealed the trauma and humiliation he faced, including the psychological torment inflicted by prison guards. Al-Saei stated, They were laughing and enjoying it… the pain was not only caused by the rape, but also from the severe and painful beating.
"Ahmed," another former prisoner, detailed his horrific experiences, describing sexual humiliation involving a dog during his time in detention. Both men emphasized the dire consequences of speaking out in a conservative society where such allegations are often met with skepticism.
These recent revelations emerge amidst an atmosphere of increasing brutality in Israeli prisons, with reports indicating that abuse against Palestinian prisoners is rising, validating long-standing concerns about the treatment of detainees. The situation calls for urgent international attention and thorough investigations into the allegations of abuse within Israeli detention facilities.
