Allegations of Mistreatment in Israeli Custody by Palestinian Women – Sky Bulletin
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In the wake of conflict, Palestinian women detained in Israeli custody have come forward with allegations of abuse. Nabela, a 39-year-old resident of Gaza City, recounts her harrowing experience, beginning with the storming of a U.N. school by Israeli soldiers and leading to a six-week ordeal involving beatings and intensive interrogations.
These claims of mistreatment come from several Palestinians detained during the Israel-Hamas war, including both women and minors, though exact numbers remain unknown.
Detainees have been shuttled between various facilities, reporting abusive treatment along the way. Rights groups accuse Israel of “disappearing” these individuals, detaining without proper legal process and obscuring their whereabouts from family and legal representation.
The Israeli military justifies certain procedures, such as undressing detainees, as necessary security measures to prevent explosives from entering Israel. However, individuals like Nabela, who spent 47 days in Israeli custody, speak of inhumane conditions, lack of basic hygiene facilities, and violent behavior from guards.
Reports of Inhumane Treatment in Israeli Prisons
Allegations are mounting against the Israeli prison system, described by former detainees and corroborated by groups like Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI), as an institution of punishment and retaliation rather than justice.
Overtly harsh measures have been reported during the conflict, ranging from the denial of basic amenities to more severe instances of physical abuse. Israeli officials maintain that detainees are afforded all necessary rights and assert that any misconduct by prison guards is not tolerated.
The Status of Unlawful Combatants
Under revisions to Israeli wartime laws, individuals from Gaza can be held for extended periods without charge or trial, falling under the category of “unlawful combatants”. This status strips them of protections typically afforded to prisoners of war and complicates their access to legal representation.
Medical care is also a point of concern, with reports indicating inadequate treatment for serious health issues, and the Israeli military’s procedures dictating restrained and blindfolded care for detainees.
Comparative Conditions in Damon Prison
Upon transfer to Damon Prison, some detainees, like Nabela, experienced comparatively better conditions, receiving kindness from fellow Palestinian women detained from the West Bank, access to electricity, and warm showers.
Despite eventual release, the psychological and physical scars remain, and many detainees like Nabela cannot reunite with their families due to travel restrictions within Gaza.
FAQ Section
What abuses have Palestinian women reported while in Israeli custody?
Allegations include beatings, strip searches, verbal abuse, lack of basic hygiene facilities, and inhumane detention conditions.
How does the Israeli military justify the strip search and related procedures?
The military claims these measures are necessary for locating explosives and ensuring security before bringing detainees into Israel.
What are some conditions reported by detainees in Israeli prisons?
Overcrowded cells, lockdowns, denied phone privileges, lack of electricity and water supply, and neglectful medical care are among the harsh conditions reported.
What does the term “unlawful combatants” mean in the context of Israeli detention practices?
‘Unlawful combatants’ refers to individuals detained without charge or trial under wartime legislation. They are not given the same protections as prisoners of war and can have limited access to legal representation.
Conclusion
The personal accounts of Palestinian women and other detainees paint a troubling picture of the Israeli detention system during times of conflict. Human rights groups have raised significant concerns over the legal and humanitarian implications of such treatment. While the Israeli military and prison service maintain that they uphold the necessary rights and conduct of detainees, these allegations highlight the need for external scrutiny and perhaps a re-evaluation of wartime detention practices.
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