A recent report from the U.N. human rights office has revealed alarming allegations of torture and mistreatment of Palestinian detainees by Israeli authorities since the attacks on October 7.

Since the onset of the Gaza war, Israeli forces have detained thousands of Palestinians, primarily from Gaza, but also from the West Bank and Israel, often without informing them of the reasons for their arrest.

Many detainees have reported being denied access to legal representation, raising serious concerns about their treatment and the legality of their detentions.

The report details severe torture methods allegedly used by Israeli authorities, including waterboarding and electric shocks, affecting both male and female detainees.

There are serious allegations of sexual and gender-based violence reported by detainees, further compounding the human rights concerns raised in the report.

The report highlights that Israel has not disclosed the whereabouts of many detainees and has denied the International Committee of the Red Cross access to its detention facilities.

These findings have drawn significant attention from global human rights organizations and international bodies, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability.

The report's authors have shared its content with the Israeli government, seeking acknowledgment and comments, but Israeli authorities have largely declined to respond.

While Israeli authorities claim that all Palestinian prisoners are treated according to Israeli law, there are indications that conditions have worsened as part of a deterrent policy.

The report also criticizes the Palestinian Authority for its own practices of arbitrary detention and torture in the West Bank, highlighting a broader issue of human rights violations in the region.

The findings of this report could be significant for International Criminal Court prosecutors investigating potential war crimes related to the October 7 attacks and subsequent military actions in Gaza.

Testimonies from released prisoners form the basis of the report, which underscores the dire human rights situation faced by many in conflict zones.