An NGO has sounded the alarm over Israel’s ongoing practice of “enforced disappearance” concerning Gazan abductees amid its sustained military actions in the region.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society (PPS) issued a statement via the Palestinian Information Center news agency, expressing deep concern over Israel’s refusal to provide clear information regarding the fate of detainees from Gaza. Despite repeated calls from international human rights organizations to halt such actions, the occupation persists in its secrecy.
As the conflict in Gaza extends over 134 days, there are heightened fears of additional atrocities against detainees, the PPS cautioned. Since the outset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, an estimated 29,000 Palestinians, including many women, children, and adolescents, have tragically lost their lives due to the relentless military campaign.
The NGO cited disturbing testimonies alleging the “execution” of some detainees by Israeli forces and highlighted reports detailing unprecedented levels of torture inflicted upon Gazan captives.
A Geneva-based human rights organization disclosed that Israeli forces permitted illegal settlers to witness and document the torture and degradation of detainees. Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor revealed instances of Gazan abductees being subjected to appalling treatment, ranging from forced nudity and beatings with metal batons and electric sticks to being doused with scalding water, all under the gaze of settlers who were sometimes allowed to film the abuse.