Israel: CAT warns of systematic torture and ill-treatment of Palestinians, incommunicado detention and impunity
During the 83rd Session of the Committee Against Torture (CAT), on Tuesday, 11 November, and Wednesday, 12 November, the CAT reviewed the 6th periodic report of Israel under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The country rapporteurs were Mr. Peter Vedel Kessing and Ms. Ana Racu.
The Israeli delegation was co-led by Mr. Itamar Donenfeld, Director General of the Ministry of Justice of Israel and H.E Mr. Daniel Meron, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
Main Issues Discusses
The Committee was deeply appalled by the consistent and credible allegations of systematic and widespread torture and ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees, including children and other vulnerable groups, since 7 October 2023. Reports received highlighted severe beatings, electric shocks, stress positions for prolonged periods, starvation, and widespread sexual insults and threats of rape. These practices were linked to a sharp rise in deaths in custody.
Experts drew attention to public statements by senior Israeli officials, including the Minister of National Security, that dehumanise Palestinians and may normalise or encourage violence, collective punishment or practices amounting to ill-treatment or torture. The Committee underscored how such rhetoric affects the broader climate of accountability and the protection of detainees.
The experts noted that, according to information received, by September 2025 Israel was holding 2,662 Palestinians as “unlawful combatants,” while thousands more had been detained for months and later released without charge. They were alarmed by reports that the whereabouts of many such detainees were being concealed and that they were denied all contact with the outside world. The use of administrative detention had also significantly expanded since October 2023.
The Committee raised concerns about the fragmented and overlapping nature of monitoring and investigative mechanisms. Members noted the very low number of investigations, prosecutions and disciplinary measures relating to torture or ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees, despite the volume and seriousness of reported cases.
Finally, the Committee expressed concern over reports of a significant increase in the number of Palestinian children deprived of liberty. It also addressed, among others, the need to ensure that humanitarian assistance reached Gaza in a regular, and unhindered manner, investigations into settler violence, a new bill on capital punishment, and conditions in migration detention centres, among other issues.
The CAT’s recommendations are available here.
Follow-up Recommendations
The State party should provide information by the 28 November 2026 on the implementation of recommendations regarding:
- The criminalisation of torture as a distinct offence and the issuing of a statement at the highest level reiterating its prohibition,
- Incommunicado detention and enforced disappearance,
- Access to healthcare in detention,
- The cessation of all policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory which amount to torture or ill-treatment
Watch here the video recordings (part one and part two) of the dialogue with the CAT.