Palestinian Victims Testify at UN About Allegations of Abuse by Israeli Forces

Palestinian victims testified at the UN about severe violence and sexual abuse they encountered from Israeli forces and settlers, highlighting issues of humiliation and torture. These accounts reveal a troubling pattern of systemic abuse and psychological trauma, prompting urgent calls for accountability and justice, amidst dismissive responses from Israeli officials.

Palestinian victims have recently recounted their horrific experiences of violence and sexual abuse at the hands of Israeli forces and settlers during a United Nations session in Geneva. Among them was Said Abdel Fattah, a 28-year-old nurse, who described enduring severe humiliation and torture after his detention.

Fattah testified via video-link about being stripped, beaten, and threatened with sexual violence while held in overcrowded facilities for months. He vividly described an incident where he was subjected to brutal interrogation methods, stating, “I was like a punching bag,” emphasizing the physical trauma he endured.

This public hearing, part of the UN’s independent Commission of Inquiry into the Occupied Palestinian Territory, has focused on the allegations of sexual violence perpetrated by Israeli security forces. COI member Chris Sidoti underscored the importance of allowing victims to share their experiences, emphasizing their right to be heard.

In contrast, Daniel Meron, Israel’s UN ambassador, dismissed the allegations, asserting that the country has a lawful process to address claims of misconduct. He criticized the hearings as unproductive, defending Israel’s integrity and condemning comparisons between the actions of individual Israelis and the violence displayed by Hamas.

Legal representative Sahar Francis challenged the notion of accountability, claiming that sexual abuse has become a widespread practice in Israeli detention centers. She noted a troubling trend of systematic abuse, particularly in the conflict’s initial months.

Another victim, Mohamed Matar, shared his harrowing experience of torture by settlers and Israeli security personnel. After attempting to protect a Bedouin community from settler aggression, he was captured, stripped, and subjected to hours of beatings and humiliation. His testimony reflected the extreme psychological impact of these experiences, as he expressed disbelief at the cruelty he faced.

The testimonies presented at the UN reveal a distressing pattern of violence against Palestinians that highlights the urgent need for acknowledgment and accountability. These narratives not only amplify the victims’ voices but also underscore the broader implications of the ongoing conflict within the region.

The testimonies presented at the UN by Palestinian victims shed light on severe allegations of violence and sexual abuse endured in Israeli detention and by settlers. Advocates emphasize the need for accountability amidst assertions by Israeli officials denying these claims. The profound psychological impact on victims, as expressed in their accounts, amplifies calls for justice and recognition of their suffering. It remains crucial for international bodies to address and investigate these allegations thoroughly to uphold human rights standards.

Original Source: jordantimes.com