GAZA — A UN committee has said there is credible evidence that Israel is operating a “de facto state policy of organised and widespread torture” against Palestinians held in its custody, warning that alleged abuses amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The findings were issued by the United Nations Committee Against Torture, which reviews the records of all states that are party to the Convention Against Torture.

During Israel’s review, the committee heard testimony from Israeli and Palestinian human rights groups, who detailed severe mistreatment in detention centres and reported thousands of arrests since Oct. 7, 2023.

Under Israel’s administrative detention laws and the Unlawful Combatants Law, Palestinians can be held for extended periods without access to lawyers or contact with family members.

The committee said many families waited months to learn the whereabouts of detained relatives, describing this as amounting to “enforced disappearance.”

The panel was especially critical of Israel’s reported use of the Unlawful Combatants Law to detain large groups, including children, pregnant women, and elderly people.

The committee’s conclusions highlighted disturbing allegations that detainees were deprived of food and water, subjected to severe beatings, dog attacks, electrocution, waterboarding, and sexual violence.

Some were said to be shackled permanently, denied access to toilets, or forced to wear diapers.

One member, Peter Vedel Kessing of Denmark, said the committee was “deeply appalled” by the evidence presented.

The panel expressed concern over what it described as a near-total absence of investigations or prosecutions into torture allegations, urging Israel to conduct independent inquiries and hold accountable those responsible, including senior military officials.

Israel has long rejected accusations that it commits war crimes or genocide.

During the hearings, Israeli ambassador Daniel Meron dismissed the allegations as “disinformation,” insisting Israel remained committed to its legal obligations despite the security challenges posed by Hamas.

In its report, the committee condemned the Hamas attacks of October 2023 and acknowledged Israel’s security concerns. However, it stressed that violations by one party “do not justify” violations by the other. The prohibition of torture, it said, is absolute under international law.

The findings come amid heightened international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct. On Friday, the UN Human Rights Office said the killing of two Palestinians in the West Bank appeared to be a “summary execution,” after video footage showed both men surrendering with their hands raised.

UN aid agencies also warn that living conditions in Gaza remain dire despite the ceasefire, with thousands of displaced families enduring winter in tents and insufficient humanitarian supplies entering the enclave. — BBC