"Briefing on Palestinian detainees' conditions Published by the Human Rights Council, Working Group on Arbitrary Detention - 100th Session Date: August 26, 2024 Concerning the torture and deaths of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons after October 7, 2023.

Since the escalation on October 7, 2023, there has been a significant increase in reports documenting serious human rights violations against Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. Numerous rights organizations, including B'Tselem, Amnesty International, and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, have documented violations such as torture, inhumane treatment, and deaths under suspicious circumstances.

This briefing provides a focused narrative of these violations and calls for urgent international intervention to address these breaches of international law.

Torture and Inhumane Treatment Since October 7, 2023, the treatment of Palestinian detainees has been characterized by systematic torture and degrading detention conditions. Reports indicate that detainees have suffered various forms of physical and psychological abuse. Testimonies gathered by B'Tselem reveal detainees, including women and minors, have experienced beatings, sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation, and electric shocks. Instances of sexual violence and the use of dogs to intimidate detainees have also been reported. Often, detainees are held in overcrowded cells, with poor ventilation and inadequate access to basic necessities like medical care and sanitary facilities.

Deaths of Detainees in Custody Since the onset of aggression against Gaza, at least 53 Palestinian detainees have died in Israeli custody, according to multiple reports. The circumstances surrounding these deaths remain unclear, with allegations that many were subjected to torture or denied necessary medical treatment. Despite these reports, Israeli authorities have provided limited information about these deaths, and there have been no adequate investigations.

Legal Implications and International Law The documented violations constitute clear breaches of international humanitarian law, especially the prohibitions on torture and inhumane treatment as outlined in the Geneva Conventions. The systematic nature of these abuses suggests they are not isolated incidents but part of a broader policy aimed at suppressing Palestinian resistance through terror and intimidation.

Recommendations Immediate and unrestricted access for international observers, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, to all detention facilities holding Palestinian detainees. Independent investigations into all allegations of torture, ill-treatment, and deaths in custody, with measures for accountability. A thorough review of Israeli detention practices to align with international humanitarian law, including prohibitions on torture and protection of detainee rights. Immediate release of all detainees held without charge or trial, especially those detained incommunicado or under conditions amounting to torture. International pressure on Israel to cease the transfer of Palestinian detainees from occupied territories and comply with legal protections afforded to all prisoners under international law.

The situation of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons since October 7, 2023, represents a severe violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. The international community, particularly the United Nations, must take decisive actions to address these violations, ensure accountability, and protect the fundamental rights of detainees.

This briefing is presented to urge the United Nations to take immediate and effective action to end these human rights violations and ensure the protection and dignity of Palestinian detainees."