The United Nations Committee Against Torture has stated that evidence suggests a "de facto state policy of organized and widespread torture" is being operated by Israel.
The committee's mandate involves reviewing the records of all signatory countries to the Convention Against Torture, gathering testimony from both governments and human rights organizations.
During its review of Israel, the committee received testimony from Israeli and Palestinian human rights groups detailing conditions in Israeli detention centers. Reports indicate that thousands of Palestinians have been detained since October 7th, 2023.
Under Israel's administrative detention laws and the Unlawful Combatants law, individuals identified as suspects who cannot be classified as prisoners of war may be held for extended periods without access to legal counsel or family members.
Palestinian families have reported waiting for months to receive information regarding detained relatives, a situation the UN committee characterized as "enforced disappearance."
The committee expressed concerns regarding the reported application of the Unlawful Combatants law by Israel to detain groups of Palestinians, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
The committee's conclusions, published today, detailed severe reported conditions within detention facilities. Evidence presented suggests that Palestinians in detention have been subjected to deprivation of food and water, severe beatings, dog attacks, electrocution, waterboarding, and sexual violence. Allegations also include permanent shackling, denial of toilet access, and being compelled to wear diapers.
The committee concluded that such treatment "amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity." It further stated that evidence indicating a "de facto state policy of organized and widespread torture" by Israel constitutes acts that form part of the crime of genocide under international law.
Israel has consistently denied accusations of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.