Gazan Detainees Expose Claims of Severe Torture in Israeli Prisons

Detainees released from Israeli custody have shared harrowing accounts of torture and severe mistreatment, including chemical burns and electric shocks, raising concerns regarding Israel's treatment practices and adherence to international law.

Palestinian detainees recently freed from Israeli custody have recounted disturbing experiences of mistreatment and torture, revealing allegations of abuse that have sparked outrage and calls for accountability. In exclusive interviews with the BBC, five men recalled their traumatic experiences while detained, detailing instances of physical abuse, psychological torment, and violation of their basic rights.

Mohammad Abu Tawileh, a 36-year-old mechanic, described a particularly horrific incident where he was set on fire and subjected to chemical burns. "I thrashed around like an animal in an attempt to put the fire out on my body," he said, illustrating the barbarity of his treatment at the hands of Israeli authorities.

All five men were detained under Israel's Unlawful Combatants Law, which allows indefinite detention without charge for those deemed a security risk. They were arrested in Gaza following the outbreak of violence related to Hamas’s attacks, which resulted in significant casualties. Despite suspicions of links to Hamas, they were ultimately not found to be involved in the attacks that triggered their detention.

The testimonies are corroborated by medical reports and statements from human rights organizations that have documented similar abuses. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Prison Service (IPS) have denied the allegations, claiming that any actions contradicting their values would be thoroughly examined.

As the men detailed their harrowing experiences, they spoke of incessant physical abuse, including electric shocks, dog intimidation, and deplorable living conditions. Some reported witnessing the deaths of other detainees and described sexual violence, widespread starvation, and humiliation as an everyday reality during their time in custody.

Legal experts have pointed out that the reported treatment violates both international and Israeli laws regarding humane treatment of prisoners. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has emphasized the dire need for access to detainees, underscoring concerns over their wellbeing.

While the men have returned to Gaza, their physical and emotional scars remain evident. Many have expressed a desire to escape the ongoing violence and trauma in their homeland, seeking refuge from the memories of their time in detention and the fear of ongoing conflict. As calls for justice and accountability grow louder, the situation remains fraught with complexities, underscoring the need for a resolution to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.