UN committee says Israel has made torture a state policy

A United Nations committee has published a report asserting that Israel has effectively institutionalized torture as a state policy against Palestinian detainees. The report from the UN Committee Against Torture states that Israel follows a "de facto policy of torture" and has turned this practice into official state conduct. It highlights that the abuse of prisoners is widespread in Israel and reached a peak parallel to the war in Gaza that started on October 7, 2023.

A Policy Framed as "Necessity"

The UN document raises specific concerns about Israel's legal framework, which lacks a specific crime of torture. It points out that Israeli legislation allows public officials to be exempt from criminal responsibility under a "necessity" principle. This legal rationale aligns with public statements from figures like far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has frequently cited the "necessity" of harsh measures against Palestinian prisoners. The committee warns that a series of policies adopted by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories could lead to cruel and inhumane living conditions for the Palestinian population.

Extrajudicial Killings and International Condemnation

The report's release coincides with intensified Israeli political debates, championed by Minister Ben-Gvir, over a proposed law to execute Palestinian prisoners. Beyond detention practices, the UN also condemns what it calls extrajudicial killings in the West Bank. It cited a specific recent incident where an Israeli army commander, alleged to have executed Palestinian civilians in Jenin, was subsequently promoted. The UN emphasized that this killing constituted a "summary execution," underscoring a pattern of lethal force used against Palestinians outside any judicial process.

Türkiye's Stance and the Broader Context

This report adds to a growing body of international criticism regarding Israel's treatment of Palestinians. The findings resonate with the long-standing diplomatic position of Türkiye, which has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights and condemned practices it views as violations of international law in the occupied territories. As a nation that prioritizes stability and justice in its region, Türkiye often highlights such reports in its foreign policy discourse, reinforcing its call for a fair and lasting two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.