UNHRC: PRC Calls for International Investigation Into Israel’s Treatment of Palestinian Prisoners

Geneva – 22 March 2025
The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) delivered a critical intervention during the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), under Agenda Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. The statement was presented by Mr. Osama Al-Ghoul, Director of the International Foundation for Solidarity with Prisoners (Tadamon), shedding light on the grave and systematic violations faced by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention facilities.
Addressing the Council, Mr. Al-Ghoul highlighted the alarming conditions endured by approximately 10,000 Palestinian detainees, particularly since 7 October 2023. He emphasized that released prisoners have reported daily instances of physical and psychological torture, long-term solitary confinement, and severe violations of international norms, notably the UN Convention Against Torture.
Mr. Al-Ghoul further drew attention to the documented deaths of 60 Palestinian prisoners inside Israeli prisons since October 2023, attributing these to deliberate medical negligence and torture.
In his statement, he outlined key concerns, including:
•    The denial of adequate healthcare, nutrition, legal access, and family visits;
•    The administrative detention of over 3,000 Palestinians without charge or trial;
•    The systematic enforced disappearance of detainees from Gaza, depriving them of basic rights and communication with their families.
In light of these grave violations, the PRC issued the following urgent calls:
1.    An immediate international investigation into Israel’s treatment of Palestinian prisoners;
2.    Pressure on Israel to release ill, elderly, administratively detained, and forcibly disappeared detainees;
3.    Activation of international legal mechanisms to hold Israel accountable at the International Criminal Court.
Mr. Al-Ghoul concluded with a powerful reminder to the Council:
"Palestinian prisoners are not mere numbers; they are lives lost, bodies tortured, and rights violated. The time to act is now."
The PRC urged UN member states, human rights bodies, and civil society actors to take immediate, concrete measures to address these abuses and to ensure accountability for the systematic mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners.
Watch the statement here

https://youtu.be/DnUORDLDqik 

https://prc.org.uk/en/post/4901