Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) has released a new report detailing the systematic targeting of Palestinian healthcare workers in Gaza by Israeli forces. According to the report, healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, and paramedics, have been arbitrarily detained without charge, denied access to legal counsel, and subjected to torture and abuse.
Between July and December, over two dozen Palestinian medical workers, aged between 21 and 69, were visited by lawyers working with PHRI. These healthcare personnel had spent more than six months in isolation after being seized by Israeli forces. The report highlights that these arrests were primarily for intelligence gathering purposes rather than for investigating alleged involvement in armed conflict or criminal activity.
The testimonies gathered by PHRI indicate that detained healthcare workers were held in various Israeli military and prison facilities, where they endured dehumanizing abuse on a near-daily basis. Allegations include sexual abuse, beatings, dog attacks, starvation, sensory overload, and having boiling water poured on them.
PHRI's report calls for the immediate release of all detained medical personnel and emphasizes the need to uphold the fundamental rights and protections of healthcare workers. The report also points out the destructive consequences of targeting healthcare workers on Gaza's already strained healthcare system.
Israeli authorities have denied allegations of abuse, stating that all prisoners are detained according to the law and provided with basic rights. However, PHRI's findings suggest a pattern of abuse and mistreatment of Palestinian health workers.
The report sheds light on the harsh conditions faced by healthcare workers in detention, including strip searches, blindfolding, handcuffing, and physical violence. Some detainees reported being subjected to sexual and psychological torture, as well as medical neglect.
PHRI's investigation reveals a troubling pattern of human rights violations against Palestinian healthcare workers in Israeli custody. The organization's call for accountability and respect for international legal standards underscores the urgent need to address these serious allegations.
