Palestinians Allege Sexual Abuse in Israeli Prisons Amid UN and Rights Group Concerns

Two Palestinian men have reported experiencing beatings and sexual abuse in Israeli detention facilities. These accounts align with concerns raised by the United Nations Committee against Torture and various Israeli and Palestinian human rights organizations regarding the treatment of Palestinian detainees. Israel has denied these allegations. Reports of such incidents have reportedly increased following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on Israel.\n\n## Allegations of Abuse\n\nSami al-Saei's Account\nSami al-Saei, 46, a former freelance journalist from Tulkarm in the occupied West Bank, was arrested in January 2024. He was held without charge for 16 months under administrative detention before his release this summer. Al-Saei alleges that on or around March 13, 2024, while detained at Megiddo prison in northern Israel, he was partially stripped and subjected to sexual assault with a baton by five or six prison guards. He stated that the assault lasted approximately 15 to 20 minutes and included physical pain and verbal taunts. Al-Saei also reported experiencing daily beatings during his detention.\n\nThe Israel Prison Service (IPS) stated in response that it operates "in full accordance with the law, while ensuring the safety, welfare, and rights of all inmates." The IPS also stated it was "not aware of the claims described" and that "no such incidents have occurred under IPS responsibility." The IPS did not comment on whether an investigation had been launched or if medical records existed.\n\n**"Ahmed"'s Account**\nAnother individual, identified as "Ahmed" to protect his identity, residing in the West Bank with his family, was arrested in January 2024. He was convicted of incitement to terrorism based on social media posts related to the October 7 Hamas-led attacks. Ahmed was sentenced to one year in prison and fined 3,000 shekels. He alleges that during his detention, three prison guards forced him into a bathroom, stripped him, and placed his head in a toilet bowl while a guard stood on his head. Ahmed further alleges that a dog, reportedly named Messi, was used to sexually humiliate him by being made to mount his back. He stated he was also regularly beaten, including on his genitals. Ahmed was released 12 days after the alleged sexual abuse, having served his full sentence. He indicated he does not possess medical documentation supporting his claims. The IPS did not provide a response to inquiries regarding Ahmed's allegations or potential investigations.\n\n## Broader Context and Official Responses\n\nSde Teiman Military Prison Incident\nIn August 2024, CCTV footage reportedly leaked from Sde Teiman military prison in southern Israel depicted a Palestinian detainee from Gaza allegedly being abused with a sharp object by soldiers in July 2024, resulting in a pierced rectum. Five Israeli reservist soldiers have been charged with aggravated abuse and causing serious bodily harm in connection with this incident. The soldiers held a press conference denying the charges. The footage leak was attributed to Military Advocate General Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, who resigned in October, stating she took responsibility and aimed to "counter false propaganda." Protests supporting the accused reservists have occurred outside Sde Teiman prison. In July, during a parliamentary committee hearing, Likud politician Hanoch Milwidsky stated, "Everything is legitimate if they are Nukhba [elite Hamas fighters who took part in the 7 October attacks]."\n\nAn opinion poll by the Israel Democracy Institute indicated that a majority of the Israeli public opposes investigating soldiers suspected of abusing Palestinians from Gaza.\n\nDetention Statistics and Other Allegations\nMore than 9,000 Palestinian security detainees are currently held in Israeli jails, nearly double the number prior to the October 7 attacks. Many of these detainees have not been formally charged.\n\nThe UN Committee against Torture condemned the October 7 attacks while also expressing deep concern over Israel's response and the casualties in Gaza. Allegations of sexual abuse, rape, and torture have also been made by some hostages abducted on October 7 and survivors of the attacks against Hamas and its allies. Hamas has also carried out executions of Palestinians in Gaza accused of collaborating with Israel.\n\nClaims of abuse within prisons operated by the Palestinian Authority (PA) in parts of the West Bank not under Israeli control have also been reported. A former detainee told the BBC he was beaten and subjected to electric shocks by PA security officers. The PA has previously denied allegations of systematic abuse and did not respond to recent inquiries.