The Israeli military has initiated investigations into the deaths of Palestinian detainees who passed away while in Israeli military custody during the recent offensive in Gaza, as confirmed by an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson.
According to a statement released by the IDF on Wednesday, at least 36 detainees have died in Israeli detention facilities since October. The statement noted that some of the deceased had pre-existing illnesses or injuries sustained during the conflict.
The IDF emphasized its commitment to following the law and its own directives by launching criminal investigations into each detainee's death in IDF detention facilities, as per the spokesperson.
Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi has taken action by establishing an advisory committee to probe the conditions at the Sde Teiman, Anatot, and Ofer detention facilities in response to allegations of mistreatment of detainees.
Since the conflict, thousands of Palestinians from Gaza have been detained by the IDF, as reported by the military. The newly formed committee will evaluate various aspects, including detention conditions, detainee treatment, facility management, and adherence to Israeli and international laws, as outlined by the IDF. The investigation is set to commence immediately, with the committee expected to deliver its recommendations to the Chief of the General Staff within three weeks, according to the spokesperson.
