The video broadcast by Israel’s Channel 12, which allegedly shows Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers sexually abusing a Palestinian detainee, has sparked significant outrage and condemnation both locally and internationally. The footage, reportedly from surveillance cameras at the Sde Teiman detention camp, shows detainees lying face down with their hands on their heads, while soldiers use shields to obscure the abuse from the cameras.
The video has led to strong reactions from various entities:
US State Department: Spokesman Matthew Miller expressed “deep concern” and labeled the reports of sexual abuse as “horrific,” calling for a thorough investigation by Israeli authorities.
UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the incident as “humanity at its worst” and highlighted previous concerns about inhumane practices in Israeli detention centers.
Local Response: The Palestinian detainee, who was reportedly severely injured, was taken to a hospital. Nine soldiers have been arrested in connection with the incident, but no formal charges have been filed yet.
Israeli Response: Following the arrests, there was an attempt by a mob to storm a different base where the detained soldiers were held. Some far-right Israeli lawmakers were reportedly among those involved in the protest.
The incident adds to ongoing criticism of Israeli practices towards Palestinian detainees. Recent reports from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Israeli rights group B’Tselem have highlighted systemic abuse and conditions that amount to torture in Israeli prisons.