1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

The recent charges against Israeli soldiers for the aggravated abuse and sexual assault of Palestinian prisoners are deeply disturbing. The alleged acts of violence, including beating restrained detainees with batons and rifles, as well as the graphic details of one prisoner suffering ruptured organs and broken bones from a brutal attack, are unconscionable violations of human rights and the rules of warfare. No person, regardless of circumstance, should be subjected to such dehumanizing cruelty. While it is positive that Israel's military has filed charges in these cases, the recurring reports of systemic abuse and torture at the Sde Teiman detention center raise grave concerns about the extent of these illegal practices. Preventing humanitarian oversight by denying access to the International Red Cross compounds this issue. Allegations this severe demand an independent, impartial investigation and appropriate accountability measures. I urge you to condemn these acts in the strongest terms and call for immediate reforms to safeguard the rights and dignity of all detainees under Israel's custody. Torture and prisoner mistreatment are never acceptable, violate international law, and undermine human values. Decisive action is needed to uphold justice and prevent further atrocities from occurring. Israel must enforce its legal obligations and human rights commitments without exception.