A recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) has shed light on the severe mistreatment and torture of Palestinian healthcare workers by Israeli forces. According to the report, healthcare workers were rounded up from medical facilities in Gaza, sent to detention centres in Israel, and subjected to torture, threats of rape, denial of medical care, and poor detention conditions.

The detentions have contributed to the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system, causing immense suffering to the Palestinian population. HRW is calling for immediate investigation and punishment of those responsible, including potential involvement of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

‘Bleeding from his Bottom’: Shocking Testimonies

The report includes harrowing testimonies from released healthcare workers, detailing experiences of humiliation, beatings, forced stress positions, and even rape. Palestinian paramedic, Walid Khalili, described being chained, hung, and electrocuted in an Israeli military detention facility.

Reports from various human rights organizations have highlighted similar cases of torture and abuse in Israeli detention, with at least 310 Palestinian healthcare workers being detained since October. The health crisis in Gaza has worsened as a result, despite the heroic efforts of medical workers to provide care amidst ongoing attacks.