Gazans detained by Israeli forces are returning “completely traumatized” upon release, with reports of abuse endured during their captivity, according to the head of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency on Monday.
Detainees reported being subjected to a “broad range of ill treatment” including threats of electrocution, being photographed naked, sleep deprivation and having dogs used to intimidate them, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini told a media briefing.
“We have seen these people coming back from detention, some of them for a couple of weeks, some of them for a couple of months, and most of them coming back (are) completely traumatized by the ordeal they have gone through,” Lazzarini said.
“A number of people have been… debriefed about their ordeal, and we have indeed (compiled) an internal report about their experiences.”
The report had been shared with rights groups specializing in detention, he added.
Lazzarini’s comments capped a tumultuous day during which Israel and UNRWA have traded accusations, with Israel accusing the agency of having employed more than 450 “terrorists.”
Israel also recalled its ambassador to the UN for consultations after the country accused the organization of failing to adequately address claims of sexual violence against Israelis committed by Hamas during the October 7 attacks.
A UN report issued Monday said that there were “reasonable grounds to believe” rapes were committed in Hamas’ attack, and that hostages subsequently taken to Gaza have also been raped.
