Rape and Torture in the Sde Teiman Israeli Prison and Military Facility
August 7th, 2024
Justice For All Canada (JFAC) is deeply troubled and profoundly outraged by recent reports of rape and severe torture inflicted upon a Gaza resident inside the Israeli Sde Teiman Military Base and Prison. [1,2] According to human rights organizations and Israeli media, the male detainee exhibits severe signs of rape and torture, with injuries so grave that he required hospitalization. [12]
This case, along with previous reports of massive torture, ill-treatment, and sexual violence, highlights a horrifying level of brutality and systematic abuse against Palestinian detainees. [3, 4] Egregiously, an Israeli lawmaker has defended the alleged rape of a Palestinian prisoner, while far-right protesters continue to support the actions of IDF troops. [12] In response to these egregious violations, JFAC reiterates its previous calls for immediate action from the Canadian government. [3]
Systematic Torture and Ill-treatment
Since October 7, human rights groups, including JFAC, have consistently raised concerns about the systematic and institutionalized torture and widespread sexual violence against prisoners in Israeli prisons, particularly within Sde Teiman prison. [4, 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,16, 24] According to these reports, detainees from Gaza are confined in cells, attacked by dogs, subjected to forced confessions, electric shocks, waterboarding, painful stress positions, degrading treatment, and severe restrictions, including being zip-tied and blindfolded, and forced to kneel for prolonged periods, making them highly vulnerable to further attacks. Dozens of prisoners have died under these horrific conditions. [17, 25] Notably, the majority of the victims are arbitrarily detained individuals who have not been charged with any crimes. [19]
In addition, Israel passed a prison law within the first ten days after October 7, which allowed overcrowding and worsened the conditions for detainees by reducing previously provided facilities such as family visits, medical treatment, phone calls, and food. [13] Along with sexual violence, severe beatings have been reported, resulting in broken ribs and numerous deaths. Furthermore, besides the lawyers representing detainees, the Red Cross and other human rights groups are not allowed to visit these prison facilities, exacerbating the situation. [21] This violence and the deteriorating prison conditions are part of a systematic plan, with the active involvement of Itamar Ben Gvir, the national security minister of the far-right Israeli government, who had plans to worsen the conditions of the prisoners even before October 7. [20]
According to the human rights group Addameer, 99% of investigations into Israeli torture and abuse of Palestinians do not progress, resulting in no accountability for the perpetrators and allowing these violations to persist unchecked. [1] While majority of doctors are complicit in these crimes, a few Israeli doctors have raised alarms about these severe human rights violations. [6, 23,24] Reports also indicate that some prisoners have died on their way to prison, highlighting the mistreatment they endure from the moment of their detention. [18]
Numerous media and human rights reports have documented that conditions at Sde Teiman prison are particularly brutal, with prisoners kept in blindfolds and handcuffs within fenced compounds and subjected to constant illumination throughout the night. Testimonials from released prisoners reveal severe violence inflicted by soldiers and investigators. [6,10]
To add insult to the injury, Israeli television channels broadcasted several reports depicting the torture and humiliation of Palestinians in Israeli prisons. These videos, which the Israeli public watches for entertainment, expose the underlying sadism within Israeli society. [22]
Rape and Sodomy
An Israeli security source reported that the raped Palestinian detainee was hospitalized with serious injuries to a sensitive area of his body, rendering him unable to walk. [14] Notably, this is not the first time that sexual violence and torture has been reported against Israeli forces. In fact, various UN experts have issued a joint statement expressing concern about credible reports of rape and sexual violence against Palestinian women and girls. [26] Moreover, a UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry has found that sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinian men, women and children actually constitutes part of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF)’s operating procedures. [27] This includes forced public stripping, nudity and other forms of sexual abuse which were condoned or directly ordered by Israeli command. The Commission concluded that the IDF in Gaza committed the war crimes of sexual violence, outrages upon personal dignity, as well as sexual and gender-based violence amounting to torture or inhuman and cruel treatment. Moreover, the Commission found that the Israeli forces also perpetrated the crimes against humanity of gender persecution against Palestinian men and boys, as well as torture and inhuman and cruel treatment.
The latest news from Sde Teiman, however, is the first time that the perpetrators of rape have been arrested. The detained soldiers are suspected of committing abuse under aggravating circumstances, including acts of sodomy and rape, as well as violations of authority and inappropriate behavior. [14] Egregiously, far-right protesters continue to support IDF troops' actions, underscoring a broader issue of systemic violence and human rights violations. Additionally, Israeli lawmaker Hanoch Milwidsky has defended the alleged rape of the Palestinian prisoner, even when questioned about the justification for using extreme forms of abuse, such as inserting objects into a person's body during interrogation. [12]
Breaches of International Law
The treatment of detainees at Sde Teiman clearly violates:
Recommendations to the Canadian Government
JFAC calls on global human rights organizations, governments, and international bodies to condemn these atrocities and take concrete steps to hold the perpetrators accountable. Canada, as a nation committed to upholding global human rights, must take immediate and decisive action in response to these violations.
References
[1] International Call to Action: Investigate the Sde Teiman Raid and Human Rights Violations Against Gaza Detainees | Addameer
[2] Israeli Soldiers Accused of Rape and Torture of Palestinians (jacobin.com)
[3] Justice For All Canada Condemns Israel for Human Rights Violations at Sde Teiman Detention Facility and Associated Hospital - Justice for All Canada
[4] Inside Sde Teiman, the Base Where Israel Detains Gazans - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
[5] Israel Police Are Holding Palestinian Prisoners in Makeshift Cage-like Cells - Israel News - Haaretz.com
[6] Doctor at Israeli Field Hospital for Detained Gazans: 'We Are All Complicit in Breaking the Law' - Israel News - Haaretz.com
[7] No to the Israeli Guantanamo Bay - Haaretz Editorial - Haaretz.com
[8] Palestinians Detained at Israeli Prison Report Severe Violence and Abuse by Guards - Israel News - Haaretz.com
[9] Israeli Jails Must Not Become Execution Facilities for Palestinians - Haaretz Editorial - Haaretz.com
[10] Close Israel's 'Guantanamo Bay' - Haaretz Editorial - Haaretz.com
[11] Nameless, Shackled: Israeli Ethics Committee Examined Medical Treatment of Detainees From Gaza - Israel News - Haaretz.com
[12] Israeli lawmaker defends alleged rape of Hamas prisoner as far-right protesters rage over IDF troops' detention - CBS News
[13] Knesset approves wartime prison crowding, among other emergency measures | The Times of Israel
[14] Dozens of Protesters Storm Israeli Army Base Where Soldiers Suspected of Abuse of Palestinian Detainee Are Held - Israel News - Haaretz.com
[15] The genocide in Israeli prisons – Mondoweiss
[16] REPORT: Addressing Mass Incarceration, Ill-Treatment, and Weaponization of Emergency Prison Law for Palestinian Prisoners - Justice for All Canada
[17] Gaza Detainees Have Died in Custody at Israeli Military Facilities Since the Start of the War - Israel News - Haaretz.com
[18] Sources: Internal IDF Report Finds Two Gazans Died After Being Beaten en Route to Israeli Prison - Israel News - Haaretz.com
[19] Israel/OPT: Horrifying cases of torture and degrading treatment of Palestinian detainees amid spike in arbitrary arrests - Amnesty International
[20] Ben Gvir moves to 'overcrowd prison living conditions' in response to Gaza war | The Times of Israel
[21] Israel has halted Red Cross visits to Palestinian prisoners since October - EFE Noticias
[22]‘We are the masters of the house’: Israeli channels air snuff videos featuring systematic torture of Palestinians – Mondoweiss
[23] How Israeli prison doctors assist in the torture of Palestinian detainees – Mondoweiss
[24] V2 Detention and alleged ill-treatment for GD (unrwa.org)
[25] UN report: Palestinian detainees held arbitrarily and secretly, subjected to torture and mistreatment
[26] Israel/OPT: UN experts appalled by reported human rights violations against Palestinian women and girls
[27] Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel
Justice For All Canada (JFAC) is deeply troubled and profoundly outraged by recent reports of rape and severe torture inflicted upon a Gaza resident inside the Israeli Sde Teiman Military Base and Prison. [1,2] According to human rights organizations and Israeli media, the male detainee exhibits severe signs of rape and torture, with injuries so grave that he required hospitalization. [12]
This case, along with previous reports of massive torture, ill-treatment, and sexual violence, highlights a horrifying level of brutality and systematic abuse against Palestinian detainees. [3, 4] Egregiously, an Israeli lawmaker has defended the alleged rape of a Palestinian prisoner, while far-right protesters continue to support the actions of IDF troops. [12] In response to these egregious violations, JFAC reiterates its previous calls for immediate action from the Canadian government. [3]
Systematic Torture and Ill-treatment
Since October 7, human rights groups, including JFAC, have consistently raised concerns about the systematic and institutionalized torture and widespread sexual violence against prisoners in Israeli prisons, particularly within Sde Teiman prison. [4, 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,16, 24] According to these reports, detainees from Gaza are confined in cells, attacked by dogs, subjected to forced confessions, electric shocks, waterboarding, painful stress positions, degrading treatment, and severe restrictions, including being zip-tied and blindfolded, and forced to kneel for prolonged periods, making them highly vulnerable to further attacks. Dozens of prisoners have died under these horrific conditions. [17, 25] Notably, the majority of the victims are arbitrarily detained individuals who have not been charged with any crimes. [19]
In addition, Israel passed a prison law within the first ten days after October 7, which allowed overcrowding and worsened the conditions for detainees by reducing previously provided facilities such as family visits, medical treatment, phone calls, and food. [13] Along with sexual violence, severe beatings have been reported, resulting in broken ribs and numerous deaths. Furthermore, besides the lawyers representing detainees, the Red Cross and other human rights groups are not allowed to visit these prison facilities, exacerbating the situation. [21] This violence and the deteriorating prison conditions are part of a systematic plan, with the active involvement of Itamar Ben Gvir, the national security minister of the far-right Israeli government, who had plans to worsen the conditions of the prisoners even before October 7. [20]
According to the human rights group Addameer, 99% of investigations into Israeli torture and abuse of Palestinians do not progress, resulting in no accountability for the perpetrators and allowing these violations to persist unchecked. [1] While majority of doctors are complicit in these crimes, a few Israeli doctors have raised alarms about these severe human rights violations. [6, 23,24] Reports also indicate that some prisoners have died on their way to prison, highlighting the mistreatment they endure from the moment of their detention. [18]
Numerous media and human rights reports have documented that conditions at Sde Teiman prison are particularly brutal, with prisoners kept in blindfolds and handcuffs within fenced compounds and subjected to constant illumination throughout the night. Testimonials from released prisoners reveal severe violence inflicted by soldiers and investigators. [6,10]
To add insult to the injury, Israeli television channels broadcasted several reports depicting the torture and humiliation of Palestinians in Israeli prisons. These videos, which the Israeli public watches for entertainment, expose the underlying sadism within Israeli society. [22]
Rape and Sodomy
An Israeli security source reported that the raped Palestinian detainee was hospitalized with serious injuries to a sensitive area of his body, rendering him unable to walk. [14] Notably, this is not the first time that sexual violence and torture has been reported against Israeli forces. In fact, various UN experts have issued a joint statement expressing concern about credible reports of rape and sexual violence against Palestinian women and girls. [26] Moreover, a UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry has found that sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinian men, women and children actually constitutes part of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF)’s operating procedures. [27] This includes forced public stripping, nudity and other forms of sexual abuse which were condoned or directly ordered by Israeli command. The Commission concluded that the IDF in Gaza committed the war crimes of sexual violence, outrages upon personal dignity, as well as sexual and gender-based violence amounting to torture or inhuman and cruel treatment. Moreover, the Commission found that the Israeli forces also perpetrated the crimes against humanity of gender persecution against Palestinian men and boys, as well as torture and inhuman and cruel treatment.
The latest news from Sde Teiman, however, is the first time that the perpetrators of rape have been arrested. The detained soldiers are suspected of committing abuse under aggravating circumstances, including acts of sodomy and rape, as well as violations of authority and inappropriate behavior. [14] Egregiously, far-right protesters continue to support IDF troops' actions, underscoring a broader issue of systemic violence and human rights violations. Additionally, Israeli lawmaker Hanoch Milwidsky has defended the alleged rape of the Palestinian prisoner, even when questioned about the justification for using extreme forms of abuse, such as inserting objects into a person's body during interrogation. [12]
Breaches of International Law
The treatment of detainees at Sde Teiman clearly violates:
- The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT): This convention explicitly defines and prohibits torture, as outlined in Article 1. Articles 2, 4, and 14 establish the obligations of states to prevent torture, criminalize acts of torture, and provide redress and compensation to victims.
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Article 5 of the UDHR prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. The conditions reported at Sde Teiman prison reflect a blatant breach of these protections, highlighting severe violations of fundamental human rights and dignity.
- The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Article 7 of the ICCPR underscores the prohibition of torture and inhuman treatment, ensuring that individuals are protected from such abuses. Additionally, Article 9 of the ICCPR forbids arbitrary detention, asserting that "no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention" and that any person arrested must be promptly informed of the reasons for their arrest and any charges against them.
- The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR): Article 12 of the ICESCR recognizes the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, which includes adequate medical care. When deaths occur in custody due to violence or the denial of necessary medical treatment, these incidents may violate the right to health, as protected by the ICESCR.
- The Geneva Conventions: These international treaties establish essential standards for humanitarian treatment in times of war. In particular, Article 27 of the Fourth Geneva Convention mandates that protected persons, including civilians in occupied territories, must be treated humanely and not subjected to torture or degrading treatment. Common Article 3 and Article 5 of the Fourth Geneva Convention guarantee humane treatment and judicial safeguards for detainees.
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) and Rome Statute: The Rome Statute criminalizes acts such as torture, sexual violence, and deprivation of a fair trial, categorizing these acts as war crimes or crimes against humanity. Consequently, violations of international law by Israel, such as those reported, may be subject to prosecution by the ICC. Failure to address these serious breaches undermines the principles of justice and the rule of law crucial for maintaining international peace and stability.
Recommendations to the Canadian Government
- Acknowledge and Condemn: The Canadian government should publicly acknowledge and condemn the arbitrary detentions, torture, rape, and other human rights violations occurring inside Israeli prisons;
- Sanction Responsible Individuals: The Canadian government should impose sanctions on Itamar Ben Gvir, the Israeli National Security Minister, who is directly responsible for allowing the ill-treatment, torture, and rapes inside the prisons;
- Support International Justice: Canada should change its current stance and actively support ICC and ICJ investigations and rulings regarding Israeli war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, ensuring that justice is served and human rights are upheld;
- Launch an Investigation: Canada should initiate its own parliamentary investigation into Israel’s grave human rights abuses against Palestinian prisoners;
JFAC calls on global human rights organizations, governments, and international bodies to condemn these atrocities and take concrete steps to hold the perpetrators accountable. Canada, as a nation committed to upholding global human rights, must take immediate and decisive action in response to these violations.
References
[1] International Call to Action: Investigate the Sde Teiman Raid and Human Rights Violations Against Gaza Detainees | Addameer
[2] Israeli Soldiers Accused of Rape and Torture of Palestinians (jacobin.com)
[3] Justice For All Canada Condemns Israel for Human Rights Violations at Sde Teiman Detention Facility and Associated Hospital - Justice for All Canada
[4] Inside Sde Teiman, the Base Where Israel Detains Gazans - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
[5] Israel Police Are Holding Palestinian Prisoners in Makeshift Cage-like Cells - Israel News - Haaretz.com
[6] Doctor at Israeli Field Hospital for Detained Gazans: 'We Are All Complicit in Breaking the Law' - Israel News - Haaretz.com
[7] No to the Israeli Guantanamo Bay - Haaretz Editorial - Haaretz.com
[8] Palestinians Detained at Israeli Prison Report Severe Violence and Abuse by Guards - Israel News - Haaretz.com
[9] Israeli Jails Must Not Become Execution Facilities for Palestinians - Haaretz Editorial - Haaretz.com
[10] Close Israel's 'Guantanamo Bay' - Haaretz Editorial - Haaretz.com
[11] Nameless, Shackled: Israeli Ethics Committee Examined Medical Treatment of Detainees From Gaza - Israel News - Haaretz.com
[12] Israeli lawmaker defends alleged rape of Hamas prisoner as far-right protesters rage over IDF troops' detention - CBS News
[13] Knesset approves wartime prison crowding, among other emergency measures | The Times of Israel
[14] Dozens of Protesters Storm Israeli Army Base Where Soldiers Suspected of Abuse of Palestinian Detainee Are Held - Israel News - Haaretz.com
[15] The genocide in Israeli prisons – Mondoweiss
[16] REPORT: Addressing Mass Incarceration, Ill-Treatment, and Weaponization of Emergency Prison Law for Palestinian Prisoners - Justice for All Canada
[17] Gaza Detainees Have Died in Custody at Israeli Military Facilities Since the Start of the War - Israel News - Haaretz.com
[18] Sources: Internal IDF Report Finds Two Gazans Died After Being Beaten en Route to Israeli Prison - Israel News - Haaretz.com
[19] Israel/OPT: Horrifying cases of torture and degrading treatment of Palestinian detainees amid spike in arbitrary arrests - Amnesty International
[20] Ben Gvir moves to 'overcrowd prison living conditions' in response to Gaza war | The Times of Israel
[21] Israel has halted Red Cross visits to Palestinian prisoners since October - EFE Noticias
[22]‘We are the masters of the house’: Israeli channels air snuff videos featuring systematic torture of Palestinians – Mondoweiss
[23] How Israeli prison doctors assist in the torture of Palestinian detainees – Mondoweiss
[24] V2 Detention and alleged ill-treatment for GD (unrwa.org)
[25] UN report: Palestinian detainees held arbitrarily and secretly, subjected to torture and mistreatment
[26] Israel/OPT: UN experts appalled by reported human rights violations against Palestinian women and girls
[27] Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel