UN expert accuses Israel of systematically torturing Palestinians in detention
A report by Francesca Albanese states that Palestinians in detention have faced “exceptionally brutal physical and psychological abuse” since the onset of Israel’s war on Gaza
A United Nations expert has accused Israel of systematically subjecting Palestinians in detention to torture on a scale that “suggests collective vengeance and destructive intent.”
In a report released on Friday, Francesca Albanese the UN’s special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 stated that since October 7, 2023, Palestinians in custody have endured “exceptionally severe physical and psychological abuse.”
Titled “Torture and Genocide,” the report examines what it describes as Israel’s widespread use of torture against Palestinians from the occupied territories since the outbreak of the Gaza war. It alleges that such practices have been carried out on an unprecedented scale as a form of collective punishment.
The report details allegations of brutal beatings, sexual violence, rape, starvation, and other forms of inhumane treatment, which it says have caused deep and lasting physical and psychological harm to thousands of Palestinians and their families.
It further asserts that torture has become a central component of broader measures aimed at control and punishment, affecting men, women, and children alike—both within detention facilities and through wider actions including displacement, mass killings, deprivation, and destruction of basic means of survival.
According to Francesca Albanese, the findings are based on extensive documentation, including at least 300 testimonies. While the accompanying statement notes that she condemns all forms of torture by any party—including Palestinian armed groups—the report primarily focuses on Israeli actions.
The report highlights a sharp rise in arrests since October 2023, with more than 18,500 Palestinians reportedly detained, including at least 1,500 children. It states that around 9,000 individuals remain in custody, while over 4,000 have allegedly been subjected to enforced disappearance. Albanese describes the detention system as having evolved into a structure marked by systemic humiliation, coercion, and fear.
She calls on Israel to immediately halt all forms of torture and mistreatment, and urges the international community to take urgent action to prevent further deterioration of the situation. She also appealed to the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to consider seeking arrest warrants against senior Israeli officials, including Israel Katz, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Bezalel Smotrich.
The report is scheduled to be presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council on Monday. Although special rapporteurs are appointed by the council, they operate independently and do not officially represent the United Nations.
Albanese has faced criticism from Israel and some allied countries over her strong stance and repeated allegations of genocide in Gaza. Israeli authorities have accused her of pursuing a biased agenda aimed at delegitimizing the state.
More recently, countries such as France and Germany called for her resignation following controversial remarks attributed to her at a forum hosted by Al Jazeera in Doha.
An advocacy group, UN Watch, circulated an edited video clip that misrepresented her comments, falsely claiming she had labeled Israel as “the common enemy of humanity.” In context, Albanese had stated that humanity faces a common challenge and emphasized the importance of protecting fundamental freedoms as a peaceful path forward.
