US State Department demands investigation after Palestinian rape video leaks
A recent UN Human Rights Office report revealed that Palestinian detainees from Gaza and the West Bank have faced torture, mistreatment, and sexual abuse, resulting in at least 53 deaths in detention.
SHAH ALAM - The United States Department of State has called for an investigation following the emergence of videos depicting the rape of a Palestinian detainee in prison.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stressed that there is no tolerance for any form of sexual abuse or rape of detainees.
The call for an investigation came after Israeli media leaked footage showing soldiers allegedly sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman base in the Negev desert.
Miller, as reported by CNN, stated that when such allegations arise, the Israeli government must investigate those accused of abuse and hold them accountable if warranted.
The US State Department has noted that several Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers are under investigation for the alleged abuse.
"When there are alleged violations, the government of Israel needs to take steps to investigate those who are alleged to have committed abuses and, if appropriate, hold them accountable," Miller reportedly said.
A recent UN Human Rights Office report revealed that Palestinian detainees from Gaza and the West Bank have faced torture, mistreatment, and sexual abuse since October 7, resulting in at least 53 deaths in detention.
Prior to the latest development, Israeli media outlet Channel 12 released footage showing Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) allegedly raping a Palestinian prisoner.
The video shows soldiers forcing prisoners to lie down while they assaulted another detainee.
Soldiers used shields to conceal the assault, and the injured detainee was later transferred to the hospital with 'complex' injuries, including trauma from an object being inserted into the rectum.
The IDF declined to comment on the leaked video or the State Department's remarks.
Meanwhile, Israeli lawmakers including far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have condemned the video and demanded a criminal probe into its source claiming it damages Israel’s international reputation.
Israeli and Palestinian rights groups, along with media outlets, have reported on the alleged mistreatment at the camp.
Last month, protesters supported by far-right Israeli lawmakers stormed a military base where nine soldiers were under investigation for allegedly abusing a Palestinian prisoner.
Another group of protesters forced their way into a military facility used as a detention camp for Palestinians during the Gaza conflict.
A confrontation ensued when military police arrived at the Sde Teiman base to question the soldiers, finding numerous protesters, including MPs, there in support of the troops.
The protesters breached the facility’s gate, waved Israeli flags, chanted "shame," and demanded the soldiers' release.
