Palestinian journalist Sami al-Saai has described being tortured and raped while detained in Israel’s Megiddo prison.
Al-Saai was detained by Israeli forces on 23 February 2024. He also described the torture and sexual abuse endured by other prisoners at the hands of Israeli soldiers and prison guards, particularly detainees from Gaza. At least 9,300 Palestinians are currently reported to be held in Israeli prisons, though the actual figure is believed to be higher, as Israel withholds information on hundreds of people seized in Gaza. While abuses in Israeli detention have long been documented, reports of torture and prisoner deaths have surged since October 2023. At least 100 deaths have been documented under such conditions, though Palestinian groups say the actual number is likely higher due to Israel’s withholding of information.
Chris Sidoti – Opening Remarks | Public Hearings, COI Palestine, East Jerusalem & Israel, 11/03/2025
Public hearings | UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel | 11-12 March 2025 | Geneva Chris Sidoti, Commissioner, UN Commission of Inquiry Palestine, East Jerusalem and Israel, delivers opening remarks 11 March 2025 at start of the third round of Public Hearings held by the Commission to gather testimony from victims of sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence committed by the Israeli Security Forces and Israeli settlers.