UK urges Israel to comply with humanitarian law after report on systematic prison abuse

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Britain on Thursday expressed serious concern after an Israeli human rights group described Israeli prisons as a "network of torture camps," reporting systematic abuse of Palestinian detainees.

B'Tselem’s report, based on testimonies from 55 Palestinian detainees, detailed numerous forms of mistreatment by Israeli prison authorities, including "arbitrary violence, sexual assault, humiliation and degradation, deliberate starvation, sleep deprivation, and the denial of adequate medical treatment."

The group said such practices are part of a longstanding, institutional policy aimed at oppressing and controlling the Palestinian population.

In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: "We are deeply concerned by the allegations in the report. The UK calls on all parties to the conflict to grant immediate and unfettered access for the International Committee of the Red Cross."

The spokesperson highlighted the UK's ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law, which includes the protection of detainees.

"The Foreign Secretary (David Lammy) raised the importance of compliance with international humanitarian law during his visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in July. This includes protections relating to detainees," the statement added.

The UK reiterated its calls for an immediate cease-fire, the release of all hostages, and a significant boost in humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The office emphasized the need for all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to international standards and ensure the humane treatment of all detainees.

Since Israel’s offensive on Gaza began last October, nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and over 91,000 injured, according to local health authorities.

Over 10 months into the Israeli war, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which ordered it to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.