Palestinians provided testimonies at the UN regarding extreme violence and sexual abuse faced during Israeli detention and by settlers. Notable victims, including a nurse and an activist, shared their harrowing experiences, highlighting systematic maltreatment. Despite Israel’s dismissal of the allegations, testimonies continue to reveal serious humanitarian concerns in the ongoing conflict.
In Geneva, Palestinians recounted harrowing experiences of brutality and sexual abuse inflicted upon them during Israeli detention and by settlers. One victim, Said Abdel Fattah, who worked as a nurse, described his suffering in detention, stating, “I was humiliated and tortured.” He detailed experiences of severe beatings and threats of rape during his two-month imprisonment, which began in November 2023.
During the UN hearings, Israel’s ambassador, Daniel Meron, denounced the allegations as unsubstantiated and referred to the investigations enacted by Israel’s forces. Abdel Fattah connected with the audience via video link, describing one instance of violence where an interrogator physically assaulted him, stating, “I was like a punching bag.” He highlighted the traumatic effects of his abuse, claiming he felt his essence separate from his body.
The independent Commission of Inquiry (COI) at the UN is currently reviewing allegations of “sexual and reproductive violence” against Palestinians. COI member Chris Sidoti emphasized the necessity of these hearings for the victims to share their stories. Testimonies presented represent growing concerns regarding systematic sexual violence amid ongoing tensions following Hamas’s attacks that ignited the recent conflict.
Meron criticized what he described as an inappropriate comparison of individual allegations against Israelis with the sexual violence exhibited by Hamas against hostages. He reiterated that Israel would respond to any allegations properly due to its legal framework. However, Palestinian lawyer Sahar Francis argued about the lack of accountability regarding such abuses, describing it as indicative of a broader “widespread policy.”
Another victim, Mohamed Matar, shared traumatic events of torture at the hands of settlers and security agents post-October 7. Matar detailed his experience of being physically assaulted and humiliated, stating, “just shoot me in the head” was his plea during the prolonged abuse. The emotional scars from these experiences persist, crippling them psychologically, as Matar remarked about the unprecedented cruelty he endured.
The testimonies presented at the UN highlight severe allegations of torture and sexual violence against Palestinians by Israeli forces and settlers. Victims like Said Abdel Fattah and Mohamed Matar shared their experiences, pressing the importance of international acknowledgment and accountability. Despite Israel’s denial of such abuses, the persistent and dire claims of maltreatment indicate a broader pattern of violence which raises significant humanitarian concerns that warrant further investigation.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
