The UNHCR spokesperson, Thamin al-Khitan, called for investigations into all cases of death, torture, ill-treatment and other inhumane treatment, commenting on a report by New York Times correspondent Nicholas Kristof, which revealed that Palestinian prisoners were subjected to rape and sexual assault.
Al-Khitan told Anadolu Agency: “Torture and ill-treatment, including sexual and gender-based violence, are systematically practiced against Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody, including many cases of rape, including cases involving children.”
He confirmed that the Commission had verified, since October 7, 2023, the deaths of at least 90 Palestinian detainees in Israeli occupation prisons, noting that one of the victims was a 17-year-old boy who showed signs of severe starvation at the time of his death.
He added that "Israeli authorities have released information about additional deaths, but have not provided enough details to verify the identities of the victims."
Regarding Israeli torture and ill-treatment of Palestinian prisoners, Al-Khitan said: "This is an unacceptable situation and part of a flawed Israeli detention and justice system imposed on Palestinians, which includes arbitrary arrest and unfair trials that violate international law."
He stressed the need to end this system, and that Israel, as an occupying power, must respect international human rights law and its obligations, emphasizing the need for independent, impartial and transparent investigations into every case of death, torture, ill-treatment or any other inhuman or degrading treatment, and that those responsible must be held accountable.
On Monday, New York Times correspondent Nicholas Kristof prepared a report revealing that Palestinian prisoners, including children, were subjected to systematic rape and sexual assault by Israeli soldiers, settlers, and prison guards.
