The vast majority of people live in countries where torture is prevalent. And I always knew Israel is no real democracy with a good human rights record. I knew torture and deaths in Israeli prisons were widespread. We also know a lot of people are missing (likely thousands).
But what strikes me most is that Israel and its citizens are not even trying to hide it.
The Guardian argues that the abuse of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons is not a collection of isolated incidents. Instead, it presents it as part of a broader system that has intensified during the war in Gaza.
The article centers on Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the former director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. Israeli forces detained him about 18 months ago. Since then, authorities have held him under administrative detention without charging him or putting him on trial. His lawyer claims prison staff repeatedly beat and tortured him. He also says they denied him proper medical care and kept him in inhumane conditions. As a result, Abu Safiya’s health has reportedly deteriorated dramatically.
The author argues that his case reflects a much wider pattern. She refers to reports from human rights organizations that describe torture, deaths in custody, sexual abuse, enforced disappearances, and indefinite detention. She also criticizes Israel’s use of administrative detention, which allows authorities to imprison people for renewable six-month periods without a criminal trial.
Torture as the norm
The article also discusses a widely shared photograph of a Palestinian detainee. An Israeli soldier reportedly took the picture while the prisoner stood stripped and restrained. According to the author, the image symbolizes the normalization of degrading treatment rather than an isolated incident.
The Guardian then broadens its focus. It argues that Israeli authorities use these practices to intimidate Palestinian society. The article claims doctors, journalists, and other community leaders have become particular targets. In the author’s view, this weakens Palestinian civil society and national identity.
Finally, the article criticizes the lack of accountability. It argues that Israeli authorities have failed to conduct meaningful investigations. It also criticizes the international community for responding with concern but taking little practical action. The author concludes that these abuses no longer represent exceptional misconduct. Instead, she argues they have become part of Israel’s detention system.
Conclusion
The sad thing is that many Israeli Jews have ancestors who experienced torture during the Holocaust.
So they should know this isn’t acceptable in any way. And, of course, the world’s nations are silent. Why? They don’t care and they are afraid of the biggest religious clientelism on this planet.
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