UN Expert: Israel Uses Torture as State Policy Against Palestinians

UN Expert Accuses Israel of Systemic Torture of Palestinians

A United Nations expert has accused Israel of effectively making torture state policy against Palestinians. Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, released a report detailing alleged systematic abuses.

The report claims these actions are happening in the aftermath of the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. It describes the alleged abuses as collective punishment driven by vengeance.

Report Details Brutal Treatment and Basic Deprivations

The report outlines serious allegations including brutal beatings, sexual violence, and rape. It also mentions lethal mistreatment, starvation, and the systematic denial of basic human needs.

Albanese stated that her findings are based on extensive evidence. This documentation includes over 300 testimonies and written submissions from individuals.

Torture Described as ‘Socially Produced’ and ‘Normalized’

According to Albanese, torture has become state policy since October 2023. She described this as a culture of torture that is “socially produced, politically defended, and publicly normalized.” This suggests a widespread acceptance and integration of such practices within the system.

Call for Accountability and International Court Action

Albanese is a known critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Following the report’s release, she reiterated her call for more arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli officials. At a press conference, she stated that Israeli leaders “deserve to be in the Hague” and that accountability is a matter of time.

Israel can say what it wants. It still needs to be held accountable. Its leaders deserve to be in the Hague.

This will happen. It’s just a matter of time.

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur

Israel Denies Allegations, Calls Report ‘Politically Charged’

Israel has strongly rejected Albanese’s accusations. The Israeli mission in Geneva issued a statement calling her a “politically charged activist rant” rather than a legitimate human rights document. They also labeled her an “agent of chaos.” Israel claims Albanese is not a promoter of human rights.

Albanese Faces Past Criticism and Sanctions

The statement from Israel highlighted that Albanese has faced criticism before from various countries, including Germany, the UK, Italy, Canada, and the Netherlands. She has been accused of bias and anti-Semitism in the past.

These accusations led to calls for her removal from her position. In July 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on her after similar calls for ICC investigations into Israel’s actions in Gaza.

This is a record. I am the first UN person to impose a sanction for what for having exposed the genocide.

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur

International Support for Albanese’s Report

Despite the criticism and sanctions, Albanese’s latest report has received backing from several nations. Pakistan, South Africa, and Venezuela have supported her findings.

Palestinian representatives also stand with her. Major human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have consistently defended her work.

Ongoing Defense of Documentation and Alleged Abuses

These organizations have praised Albanese’s documentation of alleged abuses in Gaza and the West Bank. Her work continues to be a focal point in discussions about human rights in the region. The report sets the stage for further international scrutiny and potential legal action against Israeli officials.

Source: UN expert accuses Israel of turning torture into state policy | DW News (YouTube)