A Palestinian journalist has testified that he was subjected to sexual assault and torture by Israeli forces at the Sde Teiman detention center, leaving him with severe psychological trauma, according to the Palestinian Center for Journalists’ Protection (PCHR).

The PCHR reported that the journalist endured a psychological collapse that persisted for more than two months, and, to safeguard his family, he has chosen not to reveal his real name. He spent a total of 20 months in Israeli detention, which included three months at Sde Teiman and one month at Ofer.

The journalist was arrested during a raid on Gaza City’s Al-Shifa Hospital on March 18, 2024, while on duty and clearly identified as a member of the press, wearing his press vest and carrying his camera, with the PCHR describing the case as one of the most serious crimes against journalists in Israeli custody.

He reported that he and seven other detainees were subjected to group sexual assault for nearly three minutes after being restrained, blindfolded, and taken to an isolated area within the detention center. The journalist said he experienced a severe mental and nervous breakdown, losing his ability to focus or perceive normally for over two months.

ASD and PTSD

Medical and legal experts have confirmed that his symptoms are consistent with acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

According to the journalist, the abuse was part of a systematic effort to break the will of detainees, rather than an isolated incident, describing the use of dogs as instruments of torture, harsh interrogations, and frequent transfers between detention facilities while restrained and blindfolded.

100 days of inhuman treatment

He characterized the roughly 100 days at Sde Teiman as “inhuman”, citing physical and psychological abuse, sleep deprivation, starvation, religious insults, insufficient medical care, and electric shocks. He said sexual assault was the most severe violation, carried out in secluded rooms under the supervision of Israeli personnel, without accountability.

The journalist added that the mistreatment intensified after authorities learned he was a journalist, accusing him of spreading “misleading information” and threatening him with a life sentence. He described overcrowded cells, poor hygiene, outbreaks of disease, limited food and water, restrictions on prayer, and incidents of humiliation, and witnessed the deaths of detainees, including academics and doctors, under suspicious circumstances.

“We spent autumn and winter wearing torn summer clothes. We slept on the floor,” he said. “We entered these prisons alive. We left with exhausted bodies and broken souls. Those who did not die inside came out shattered forever.”

The PCHR stated that the reported acts constitute rape and sexual torture under the 1984 Convention Against Torture and could be considered war crimes under Article 8 of the Rome Statute or crimes against humanity under Article 7 if proven systematic. The organization emphasized that the abuse also violates Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions and represents a direct assault on journalists, who are protected civilians.

PCHR calls ICC to take action

The center called for the case to be referred to the International Criminal Court for immediate investigation, prosecution of those responsible, and provision of medical care and protection for survivors and witnesses. The PCHR highlighted that testimonies from Palestinian journalists are adding to mounting evidence of systematic torture in Israeli prisons.

Last month, the PCHR condemned "Israel" for “an organized and systematic practice of sexual torture” against Palestinian detainees from Gaza, reporting extensive sexual violence against both men and women over the past two years.

Sde Teiman gained international attention after a leaked video in August 2024 showed Israeli soldiers sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee, who was hospitalized with broken ribs, a punctured lung, and severe rectal injuries. At least five soldiers were charged with aggravated abuse causing serious bodily harm, but none were placed in custody or faced legal restrictions.

Human rights organizations reported this month that 98 Palestinians have died in Israeli detention since October 7, 2023, when "Israel" launched a genocide in Gaza. Rights groups say the toll is unprecedented and reflects a collapse in detention standards, with virtually no medical or legal oversight.