Israeli human rights groups have accused the state of dramatically intensifying torture and brutal treatment of Palestinian detainees since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023. Their detailed findings were submitted to the UN Committee Against Torture as part of Israel’s periodic review, according to a report by Haaretz.
The joint submission, prepared by Adalah, the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, Parents Against Child Detention, HaMoked and Physicians for Human Rights–Israel—states that Israeli authorities have expanded abusive practices across the entire arrest and detention system. The organisations say these violations target Palestinians both in the occupied territories and inside Israel, with senior officials enabling the abuses and oversight bodies failing to intervene.
A central concern raised is Israel’s increasing use of the category “unlawful combatant,” a label not recognised under international law. This designation allows the state to detain individuals for long periods without trial and strip them of rights normally granted to prisoners of war. Over 4,000 Gaza residents were reportedly held under this status, alongside a surge in administrative detentions. The number of Palestinians held without charge jumped from roughly 1,100 before the war to 3,500 by September 2025, with detention periods becoming significantly longer.
Torture and Degrading Treatment
Testimonies collected by the groups describe detainees from Gaza being confined in outdoor pens, exposed to harsh weather, constantly blindfolded and shackled, forced to kneel for hours, and made to sleep on the ground. Some were reportedly treated medically while restrained and blindfolded, and compelled to use diapers instead of toilets.
The report also highlights severe food restrictions—amounting to deliberate starvation—with daily rations limited to around 1,000 calories and 40 grams of protein. Other alleged abuses include beatings with batons, burns from boiling water, attacks by dogs, extreme sensory torture in facilities known as “Disco Rooms,” and instances of rape using objects.
According to the organisations, at least 94 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody since the war began, and many others have suffered permanent injuries. Complaints of torture during Shin Bet interrogations have multiplied, rising from 66 cases over two decades to 238 in the past two years. Despite the surge, only two investigations were recommended and none led to charges. Three detainees died while under interrogation.
The Shin Bet denies using torture but admits employing what it calls “special interrogation methods,” which include prolonged shackling, sleep deprivation, exposure to cold, loud music, forced nudity, and threats directed at detainees’ family members.
Lack of Accountability and Medical Neglect
In the military system, 58 investigations have been opened into abuse cases—most concerning deaths, but just two resulted in indictments. In the Prison Service, six indictments were issued from 36 investigations, none related to deaths or sexual violence.
The report says Israel’s Supreme Court has dismissed most petitions seeking improved conditions, and that some prison facilities effectively use the denial of medical care as a form of torture. Widespread outbreaks of scabies affecting thousands of detainees were also reported.
Human rights groups say the whereabouts of hundreds of Palestinians taken into custody remain unknown.
According to Haaretz, Israeli representatives from several government ministries appeared before the UN committee earlier this month and rejected the allegations, insisting that Israel complies with international law.
Rights groups estimate that more than 10,000 Palestinians, including women and children, are currently held in Israeli prisons, where they face torture, starvation, and systematic medical neglect.
