US Urges Israel to Probe Alleged Abuse of Palestinian Detainees

US officials have called for a comprehensive investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against Palestinian detainees by Israeli soldiers. The appeal comes in response to a video aired on Channel 12, an Israeli television network, which appears to show soldiers taking a detainee out of sight of surveillance cameras.

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, stated, "We have seen the video, and reports of sexual abuse of detainees are horrific. They ought to be investigated fully by the government of Israel, by the IDF." Miller emphasized the need for "zero tolerance" regarding sexual abuse or rape of any detainee.

The White House echoed these sentiments, with spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre describing the reports as "deeply concerning" and stressing the importance of upholding the rule of law and due process.

These allegations have emerged amidst an ongoing investigation by Israeli authorities into alleged abuse of Palestinian prisoners by soldiers. The probe has sparked protests from right-wing Israelis, who broke into two military facilities after military police detained nine soldiers over allegations of severe abuse at the Sde Teiman detention facility in southern Israel.

Miller acknowledged the IDF's announcement of an investigation and the arrest of several individuals allegedly involved. He stated, "It ought to proceed swiftly, and if they are determined to be in violation of criminal laws or violations of the IDF's code of conduct, then, of course, they ought to be held accountable."

The Israeli military, which operates some detention facilities where Palestinian prisoners are held, has previously stated that it operates according to the rule of law and investigates any specific claims of abuse.

However, B'Tselem, an Israeli non-governmental organization established in 1989, released a report on August 5, 2024, alleging that Israel has conducted a systematic policy of prisoner abuse and torture since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. The report claims that Palestinian detainees have been subjected to acts ranging from arbitrary violence to sexual abuse.

"Israel has conducted a systematic policy of prisoner abuse and torture since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, subjecting Palestinian detainees to acts ranging from arbitrary violence to sexual abuse."

These allegations come against the backdrop of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has persisted for over seven decades. The Gaza Strip has been under Israeli blockade since 2007, and the region has been subject to repeated calls from the United Nations for investigations into alleged human rights abuses.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Israel will respond to these allegations and the international pressure for a thorough investigation. The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for the treatment of detainees and the broader context of human rights in the region.