Israel faces calls for investigation after leaked video shows sexual assault on Palestinian detainee

A leaked video depicting Israeli soldiers sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee from Gaza at the Sde Teiman detention camp has surfaced, drawing significant international condemnation.

The footage, which has been circulating on social media since 7 August, was first broadcast by Israeli Channel 12.

Captured by surveillance cameras, the video shows a group of Israeli reservist soldiers selecting one detainee from a group of over 30 individuals who are blindfolded and lying on the ground.

The chosen detainee is then taken to a secluded corner of the facility.

The report notes that the soldiers appeared to be aware of the surveillance cameras and attempted to hide their actions using shields.

According to the report, the video documents the reservists committing an act of sodomy under these circumstances.

The detainee was later found bleeding and was transported to a hospital after several hours.

His condition was described as “complex,” with medical reports indicating that his injuries resulted from the insertion of an object.

Video of IDF soldiers raping a Palestinian prisoner behind shields has been leaked

This entire camp is designed to rape and torture

Is the world gonna pretend this isn’t happening because it’s Israeli#PalestiniansLivesMatter#Israel pic.twitter.com/OwpQJHz4LC

— Athar Saleem® (@AtharSaleem01) August 7, 2024

This footage emerges amid ongoing investigations by human rights groups, media, and Israel’s military court into alleged abuses by Israeli authorities against Palestinians in detention facilities.

On 29 July, Israeli authorities detained nine soldiers accused of attacking and raping a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman facility.

A doctor who treated the Palestinian detainee reported to Haaretz that the injuries were so severe that he initially could not believe an Israeli could commit such acts and felt compelled to speak out.

The arrest of these soldiers has sparked significant protests from far-right groups and politicians who have defended the soldiers, labelling them as heroes rather than criminals.

The Israeli military, which oversees some detention facilities where Palestinian prisoners are held, has stated that it operates according to the rule of law and investigates any specific claims of abuse.

A recent report by the UN Human Rights Office highlighted severe mistreatment of Palestinian detainees from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank since 7 October, including torture and sexual abuse, with at least 53 detainees reported dead in custody.

International community calls for investigation into alleged abuse of Palestinian detainees

The US State Department has urged Israel to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of Palestinian detainees by its soldiers.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, addressing the issue on Wednesday (7 Aug), emphasized the need for “zero tolerance” towards those responsible for such abuses.

Miller’s call for action came in response to a video aired by Israel’s Channel 12, which purportedly shows soldiers at the Sde Teiman facility removing a detainee from the view of surveillance cameras to commit abuses.

US officials have reviewed the footage, which Miller described as “horrific.”

“We have seen the video, and reports of sexual abuse of detainees are horrific. They ought to be investigated fully by the government of Israel, by the IDF,” Miller stated.

He added, “There ought to be zero tolerance for sexual abuse, rape of any detainee, period… If there are detainees who have been sexually assaulted or raped, the government of Israel, the IDF need to fully investigate those actions and hold anyone responsible accountable to the full extent of the law.”

The White House echoed these concerns, with spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre describing the reports of rape, torture, and abuse of Palestinian prisoners as “deeply concerning.”

She underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring due process.

Canada also condemned the reports through a statement on Global Affairs Canada’s Twitter account on Friday (9 Aug).

The statement expressed deep concern over the torture and abuse of Palestinian detainees, including sexual violence, and called for a thorough investigation into the allegations and accountability for the perpetrators.

1/2 Canada is deeply concerned by reports on the torture and abuse of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons, including sexual violence. Such treatment is never justifiable, in any context.

— Foreign Policy CAN (@CanadaFP) August 8, 2024

The UN Human Rights Office has condemned as “shocking” footage that shows Israeli soldiers sexually abusing a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman detention camp, according to a statement given to Anadolu Agency.

“This is one of many incidents in recent months involving gross violations against Palestinian detainees by Israel, including acts of ill-treatment, torture, sexual violence, and rape,” UN spokesperson Jeremy Laurence told Anadolu.

He emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Israel must ensure prompt, independent, and effective investigations into all allegations of violations, which we believe are widespread, and ensure that perpetrators are held to account.”