GENEVA
The UN Committee against Torture on Friday published its findings on Israel, expressing deep concern over what it described as Tel Aviv’s "disproportionate" response and reports of widespread torture and ill-treatment during the current conflict.
In its concluding observations, the committee "unequivocally condemned" the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and acknowledged the security threat Israel faces. However, it said Israel's response has been "disproportionate," resulting in "a massive loss of human life and profound suffering for the Palestinian people."
It expressed "deep concern" about reports of "a de facto State policy of organized and widespread torture and ill-treatment" that has "gravely intensified since 7 October 2023." It added that several Israeli policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory would amount to "cruel, inhuman, or degrading living conditions" for the Palestinian population.
The committee called on Israel to establish an "independent, impartial and effective ad hoc investigatory commission" to examine allegations of torture and ill-treatment, prosecute those responsible "including superior officers," and ensure "the immediate entry" of humanitarian aid and aid workers into Gaza.
It also highlighted spikes in settler violence and administrative detention, saying both have reached "unprecedented levels."
On domestic legislation, the committee noted the absence of a standalone criminal offense of torture and raised concern that officials may invoke a "necessity" defense when using unlawful physical pressure during interrogations. It said the continued use of undisclosed "special means" in interrogations remains problematic.
The committee urged Israel to enact a specific criminal offense of torture aligned with the Convention, disclose what “special means” entail, and ensure that "no exceptional circumstances are invoked to justify torture or ill-treatment."
Since October 2023, the Israeli army has killed nearly 70,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, and injured more than 170,900 people in the over two-year war that has left much of the enclave in ruins.