RAMALLAH: The association representing Palestinian prisoners has called for an international investigation into allegations of detainee abuse in Israeli jails since the start of the Gaza conflict.
This call comes in response to criticism from right-wing protesters regarding an Israeli probe into the abuse claims.
Qadura Fares, head of the Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs Commission, stated on Monday night that there have been numerous reports of abuse at Sde Teiman, a military facility in southern Israel central to the investigation. He described the Israeli probe and the detention of nine Israeli soldiers as a “farce” designed to mislead global opinion.
The Israeli military announced the investigation into the soldiers in response to “suspected substantial abuse of a detainee” but provided no further details.
The investigation has provoked protests from some Israelis who argue that the soldiers were acting in line with their duties. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, especially between hard-line nationalist-religious parties and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, along with the army command.
On Monday, protesters, including several prominent right-wing politicians, forcibly entered two Israeli military facilities. This action was condemned by Israel’s army chief as “bordering on anarchy.”
