**26 Aug 2024**
According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), Palestinian healthcare workers were detained from medical facilities in Gaza, transported to detention centers in Israel, and then subjected to severe mistreatment and, in some cases, torture.
An HRW report released on Monday detailed allegations of torture, threats of rape and sexual abuse by Israeli forces, denial of medical care, and harsh detention conditions that doctors, nurses, and paramedics have endured since the war in Gaza began in October...
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The detentions have contributed to the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system since the onset of the war, which has claimed the lives of more than 40,000 Palestinians.
Balkees Jarrah, acting Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, stated, “The Israeli government’s mistreatment of Palestinian healthcare workers, which has largely occurred in secrecy, must cease immediately.”
Jarrah added, “The torture and ill-treatment of doctors, nurses, and paramedics should be thoroughly investigated and held accountable, potentially by the International Criminal Court (ICC).”
Interviews with eight released healthcare workers and seven witnesses have revealed reports of mistreatment in Israeli custody, including humiliation, beatings, forced stress positions, and prolonged cuffing and blindfolding.
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