Dr. Alice Jill Edwards, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, announced on Friday that she is actively investigating allegations of torture and mistreatment of Palestinian detainees in Israel.
Speaking to Reuters during the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Edwards disclosed that she has recently received reports of torture and ill-treatment of Palestinians detained in the Israeli-occupied West Bank or as a consequence of the conflict in Gaza, where Israel is engaged in combat with the ruling Palestinian Hamas movement.
“I’m looking into that as we speak and carrying out a fact-finding investigation,” stated Edwards, emphasizing her commitment to thoroughly examining the allegations.
She called on all parties involved, including Hamas, the state of Palestine, and Israel, to cease the use of torture tools and redirect their focus towards achieving peace and fostering a prospect of harmonious coexistence in the future.
The Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva confirmed the reception of Edwards’ request to visit Israel, which has been forwarded to Jerusalem for further consideration.
The UN human rights office has documented numerous reports of mass detention, ill-treatment, and enforced disappearances of Palestinians in northern Gaza by the Israeli military.
Additionally, thousands of arrests in the West Bank have been recorded by the UN human rights office.
The Israeli military contends that its operation in Gaza aims to “dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities” and rescue hostages captured by Hamas during the attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that triggered the ongoing conflict.
The situation remains tense as the international community closely watches the developments in the region.
