Chemical Burns, Assaults, and Electric Shocks: Gazans Speak Out on Torture in Israeli Detention
Warning: This article contains distressing content.
In a troubling revelation, Palestinian detainees recently released back to Gaza have recounted harrowing experiences of mistreatment and torture at the hands of Israeli military forces and prison staff. Interviewed by the BBC, these men allege a range of abuses, including chemical burns, beatings, and electric shocks, which highlight ongoing concerns regarding human rights violations within Israeli detention facilities.
One of the interviewees, 36-year-old mechanic Mohammad Abu Tawileh, described a particularly horrifying incident: âI thrashed around like an animal in an attempt to put the fire out [on my body],â he recounted, detailing how he was set ablaze using an air freshener and a lighter. This chilling account is part of a series of in-depth interviews conducted with five men who were arrested in Gaza following the deadly attacks by Hamas and other militant groups, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people in Israel and the taking of 251 hostages.
These men were detained under Israel's Unlawful Combatants Law, allowing for the indefinite detention of individuals suspected of posing a security threat without formal charges. This legislation has been leveraged as part of Israel's broader campaign to recover hostages and dismantle militant groups like Hamas. While the detainees were accused of having connections to Hamas, they were not implicated in the October 7, 2023, attacksâa stipulation set by Israel for their recent release under a temporary ceasefire agreement.
Throughout their detentions, all five men shared harrowing accounts of being stripped, blindfolded, cuffed, and assaulted. Many reported experiencing electric shocks, intimidation from dogs, and a denial of necessary medical care. Some even alleged they witnessed the deaths of fellow detainees, while one detainee spoke of the disturbing sexual abuse of others.
Of particular concern is the testimony from Mr. Tawileh, who detailed repeated applications of chemical substances to his body, including an instance where his head was submerged in a caustic mixture. Following this, he was subjected to beatings and sustained severe injuries, including chemical burns on his eye, which has led to lasting vision problems. Medical professionals who examined him after his release confirmed the injuries were consistent with his account.
In response to these testimonies, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement denying any systematic abuse of detainees. Although they acknowledged some cases raised by the BBC would be examined by the relevant authorities, they did not address specific allegations made by the detainees. The Israel Prison Service (IPS) similarly claimed it was unaware of any such abuses within its facilities.
Dr. Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne, a legal expert from the University of Bristol, emphasized that the treatment described by the detainees is inconsistent with both international and Israeli law, potentially crossing the threshold into torture. He stated, âUnder international law, the treatment of detainees must be humane, irrespective of any alleged wrongdoing.â
The testimonies gathered reflect a disturbing pattern of abuse consistent with reports from human rights groups and previous investigations. A significant number of Palestinian prisoners have reported similar experiences of mistreatment, including being subjected to extreme conditions, physical assaults, and inadequate medical attention.
In light of these serious claims, international scrutiny of Israelâs treatment of Palestinian detainees is expected to intensify. The ongoing conflict and its associated humanitarian issues continue to draw attention from various global entities, advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals affected by this protracted crisis.
