Israel systematically abuses Palestinian health workers
Israel systematically abuses Palestinian health workers
In a recent report by Physicians for Human Rights Israel (Phri), it is reported that Israel has systematically targeted medical staff from Palestine in the Gaza Strip. These reports include arbitrary arrests without charges or access to legal benefits as well as torture and abuse of medical specialists. The information comes from a detailed examination in which over two dozen medical employees, including doctors and nurses between 21 and 69, were interviewed who were kept in isolation for over six months.
systematic violation of human rights
The 21-page report illuminates that the arrests of the medical specialists served primarily to collect information instead of examining their alleged participation in armed conflicts. "This indicates a systematic policy that violates human rights and shows that such arrests are arbitrary and illegal under international legal standards," said Phri.
abuse in detention centers
The arrested health specialists were recorded in various institutions of the Israeli military and the Israeli prison service (IPS), including SDE Teiman and Ofer Prison in occupied West Bank. According to the testimonies, the detainees were exposed to abuse almost daily. Many reported sexual violence, blows, dog bites and other cruel practices.
The effects on the health system Gazas
The reports from Phri show that the medical specialists were specifically arrested due to their professional activity, which has devastating effects on the already damaged health system Gazas. In view of more than 15 months of Israeli bombing since Hamas's attacks in October 2023, over 1,000 health employees were killed, which further tightened the already critical situation.
forced confessions and abuse
The medical specialists who were interviewed by Phri reported to 12 hours of interrogating interrogations during which they were beaten or tortured. Many reported that they were asked about hostages, tunnel systems and weapons.
allegation of the violation of international legal standards
Palestinians from Gaza are recorded under the Unlawful Combatants law of 2002, which allows the authorities to arrest Palestinians without charges or legal proceedings. Human rights organizations and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warn that this practice contradicts international law and violates the rights of the detained.
shocking conditions in the detention centers
The conditions in the detention centers, especially in the SDE Teiman, have triggered international outrage. Reports on continuous blindfold, medical neglect and violence have led to demands for a closure of the center. Many medical employees reported sexual assault; Some were tortured with electric rods. Phri calls for the immediate release of all imprisoned medical employees and the guarantee of their basic rights.
demand for justice
Phri has requested the immediate release of all imprisoned medical employees and ensuring that their basic rights and protective measures are guaranteed. Despite the serious allegations, the IPS denied in a statement that there are ill -treatment and emphasizes that all detained people are treated in accordance with the law.
The continuing conflict and the systematic persecution of health specialists not only hinder the medical care of the population, but also raise serious questions about international human rights standards. It is to be hoped that these grievances will finally get the attention they deserve.