UN panel accuses Israel of ‘de facto policy of torture’

New Delhi, Nov 29: A United Nations committee has found evidence suggesting that Israel is operating a “de facto state policy of organised and widespread torture”, according to a report cited by the BBC.

The assessment was made during a routine review under the UN Convention Against Torture, which evaluates compliance among signatory nations.

The committee heard testimony from both Israeli and Palestinian human rights groups, describing severe conditions in detention centres. It is alleged that thousands of Palestinians have been detained since the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, many held for extended periods without access to legal counsel or family members. According to the BBC, evidence presented to the committee described detainees being deprived of food and water, subjected to beatings, electrocution, attacks by dogs, waterboarding and other forms of violence. The UN panel concluded that such treatment may constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and potentially genocide under international law. Israel has previously rejected accusations of torture and genocide and has accused the UN of bias.

The committee, while condemning the Hamas attacks, reiterated that the prohibition on torture is absolute under international law and applies regardless of security circumstances. The findings come amid rising international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the West Bank, with UN agencies warning of worsening humanitarian conditions despite the ongoing ceasefire.