US 'deeply concerned' by UN agency's report detailing staffers subjected to 'ill-treatment' by Israel

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US said Wednesday it is “deeply concerned” about a report by the UN Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA) that some staff members detained by Israel were subjected to "ill-treatment."

“We're deeply concerned by these reports and we'll continue to press and engage directly with our Israeli partners on the need for a full investigation into these allegations,” Vedant Patel told reporters.

UNRWA said Tuesday that it received reports of ill-treatment of some staff during different stages of detention by Israel from November to April 4.

"This included being subjected to beatings while made to lie on a thin mattress on top of rubble for hours without food, water or access to a toilet, with their legs and hands bound with plastic ties. Several detainees reported being forced into cages and attacked by dogs. Some released detainees, including a child, had dog bite wounds on their body," it said in a report. "Detainees were threatened with prolonged detention, injury or the killing of family members if they did not provide requested information.”

UNRWA said it documented the release of 1,506 detainees, 23 UNRWA staff, 43 children and 84 women, including from Gaza by Israeli authorities between November and April 4.

"Ill-treatment was reported to have occurred primarily while in the barracks, and to have intensified in advance of interrogation sessions" according to the report.

"This included being subjected to beatings while made to lie on a thin mattress on top of rubble for hours without food, water or access to a toilet, with their legs and hands bound with plastic ties," it added.