Amnesty International is concerned for the safety of more than one thousand Palestinians detained by Israeli Defence Forces
(IDF), during the past week in refugee camps and towns in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Some Palestinians have been reportedly tortured by being beaten or held for prolonged periods in painful positions. All detainees are reportedly being held in conditions which amount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. A Military Order has just been issued denying access of detainees to lawyers.
Detainees are being held at a number of IDF military camps and settlements, but the IDF will not reveal the names of those they have arrested and where they are located. In violation of international human rights treaties, such the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture or Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which Israel is a State party, detainees have been held in conditions which constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Those arrested and released have also reported being threatened and beaten by members of the IDF who detained them. They have been handcuffed for extended periods of time, and sometimes denied food, water and permission to use the toilet. Despite the cold nights, many detainees and sleeping on cold slabs and most spent the first night without being provided with a blanket.
Under international standards, any person who is arrested, detained or imprisoned has the right to inform, or have the authorities notify, their family or friends. The information must include the fact of their arrest or detention and the place where they are being kept in custody. The families of the detainees, have not received such information and do not know whether their relatives are dead or alive, following unconfirmed reports that some Palestinians taken by the IDF were extrajudicially executed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Since 29 March, the IDF reoccupied the town of Ramallah and other towns, including
Qalqiliya, Tulkarem and Jenin. Tanks and snipers have been used in clashes between the IDF and Palestinian armed groups. Civilians have been unlawfully killed and there have been reports of extrajudicial executions. The destruction of communications systems, curfews on residents and the closure of centres to journalists and other external observers, has meant that the truth or falsity of such reports cannot be investigated.
Ambulances have been shot at and medical workers and journalists targeted. Many residents fear leaving their homes at any time, even when curfews are not in force as shots have also been fired at people in the street. The IDF has occupied houses, forcing the occupants to stay for days in one or two rooms. The IDF have wantonly damaged houses, cars and buildings, including apartments they have occupied and there have been reports of looting. The offices of human rights organizations have been forcibly entered by the
IDF, who have ransacked filing cabinets and smashed computers.
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