Israel faces backlash as nine soldiers at the Sde Teiman detention camp are detained for alleged abuse of Palestinian prisoners. The base, likened to Guantanamo, has been used to hold Palestinians from Gaza without charge. Reports suggest at least 13 prisoners have died from abuse in Israeli prisons since the current Gaza conflict began in October.
What has Israel been accused of doing to Palestinian prisoners at Sde Teiman?
Brutal abuse, including beatings and amputations, has been reported at Sde Teiman. International media documented prisoners being blindfolded, beaten, and deprived of basic hygiene, triggering outrage.
Is it just Sde Teiman where this abuse is being reported?
Similar abuses have been reported in Israeli prisons across the West Bank, raising concerns about violations of international law and human rights.
Isn’t that torture under international law?
The acts reported against Palestinian prisoners potentially constitute torture under the UN Convention against Torture, prompting calls for Israel to address the issue.
How has Israel responded to the allegations?
Israel launched an investigation following international scrutiny, detaining soldiers for questioning. Yet, the polarized reactions within Israel reflect deep divisions on how to handle the situation.
How divided is Israel over the detention of the soldiers?
The detention sparked heated debates within Israel, with right-wing factions opposing legal consequences for soldiers and defending the abuse of Palestinian prisoners. The incident highlighted the political turmoil within Israeli leadership.