A United Nations human rights expert has sharply criticized the international community for effectively permitting Israel to engage in what she describes as systematic torture of Palestinians. She portrayed life in the occupied Palestinian territories as an ongoing ordeal marked by relentless physical and psychological torment, underscoring the severity of the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur tasked with monitoring human rights conditions in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, delivered these strong accusations during her presentation of the latest report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday. Her remarks drew attention to the alarming normalization of practices that inflict widespread suffering on Palestinians, which she argues have become embedded in official state policy.
In her detailed report titled “Torture and genocide,” Albanese asserts that what was once hidden behind closed doors—torture and degrading treatment—has now become openly practiced and politically sanctioned at the highest levels of Israeli governance. She described this as a systematic regime of humiliation, pain, and degradation, which extends far beyond isolated incidents and interrogation rooms.
The report paints a grim picture of the occupied Palestinian territories as a space subjected to collective punishment. It highlights a range of oppressive measures including mass displacement, prolonged sieges, denial of essential humanitarian aid and food supplies, unchecked violence by both military forces and settlers, and pervasive surveillance. Together, these elements create an environment that Albanese characterizes as torturous, with devastating long-term mental and physical consequences for the Palestinian population.
Albanese emphasized before the council that Israel has effectively been granted a “licence to torture” Palestinians, a situation she attributes to the failure of many governments and ministers worldwide to intervene or hold Israel accountable. The report draws on survivor testimonies and other documented evidence to examine allegations of systematic torture since October 7, 2023, covering both detainees and civilians throughout the occupied territories.
Calling for urgent accountability measures, the report suggests that senior Israeli officials could face arrest warrants for their roles in perpetuating these abuses. However, Israel has consistently dismissed such findings as politically motivated and biased, and no immediate official response was available following the report’s release.
This latest condemnation comes amid growing international concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Various human rights organizations and UN bodies continue to highlight issues such as harsh detention conditions, restricted access to humanitarian aid, and the rising number of civilian casualties. Albanese’s mandate and reports have sparked a polarized response, with some UN member states expressing strong support for her work, while others question the impartiality of her role.
As the conflict and its human toll persist, the international community faces increasing pressure to address these allegations and reconsider its stance on Israel’s policies in the occupied territories. The report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for renewed efforts to protect human rights and uphold international law in one of the world’s most protracted and contentious conflicts.
