An investigation by The Independent has uncovered severe accusations of abuse against Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody, including torture, sexual violence, medical neglect, and killings. Testimonies from former detainees, autopsy reports, and leaked military indictments paint a harrowing picture of the brutal Israeli policies.

One case detailed in an Israeli military indictment describes five reservists beating, electrocuting, and sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee at a military base. The injuries were so severe that he required hospitalization for a punctured lung, fractured ribs, and rectal surgery. Despite the brutality, he had not been charged with any crime.

Sexual abuse: Israeli 'method of war'

The United Nations has accused Israeli forces of employing sexual violence as a “method of war,” stating that such acts were carried out either “under explicit orders or with implicit encouragement by Israel’s top civilian and military leadership.” "Israel" has refused to cooperate with the UN investigation.

Since  October 7, mass arrests of Palestinians have surged, with the number of detainees nearly doubling to 10,000. Many are held without charge or trial, and some have been released only to be rearrested.

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Autopsy reports obtained by The Independent indicate signs of severe physical abuse. One detainee who died in Megiddo prison in November 2023 was found with broken ribs, bruising across his body, and internal bleeding. Another man who died in Kishon jail in December 2024 suffered “multiple signs of physical assault” and “excessive use of restraints,” leading to traumatic brain bleeding. A physician who has conducted multiple autopsies on behalf of Palestinian families described cases of broken ribs, lacerated organs, and blunt force trauma.

Israeli soldiers instructed to use brutal force against Palestinian detainees

Within the Israeli detention system, two facilities—Sde Teiman military base and a new detention center at Ofer prison—have emerged as focal points for accusations of mistreatment. A leaked testimony from an Israeli guard at Sde Teiman reveals that soldiers were encouraged to be violent toward Palestinian detainees. He recalled being told, “Shut up, you leftist, these are Gazans, these are terrorists, what’s wrong with you?” when he questioned the abuse.

Detainees from Sde Teiman reported being subjected to relentless loud music in a room dubbed the “disco”, with one detainee saying, “The trance music is meant to psychologically weaken you before the investigation.” Others described beatings, dog attacks, and electric shocks, with one stating, “Some people lost their hearing because blood came out of their ears due to the electric shocks.”

Medical neglect has also been widely reported. One autopsy found that a 20-year-old detainee with a medical condition requiring specialized care was denied treatment, leading to fatal complications. 

Among those detained are healthcare workers, including prominent Palestinian doctors. Dr. Adnan al-Bursh, a respected surgeon, died in Ofer prison in April under unknown circumstances. His widow, Yasmine, recounted accounts from his cellmates: “Before [Adnan’s] arrest, he weighed 90 kilograms, but his weight apparently dropped significantly to around 55 kg. He received very little food, just enough to keep him alive.”

Human rights groups estimate that at least 5,000 Palestinians are being held in administrative detention—without charge, trial, or access to evidence against them. Some detainees, including minors, have reportedly been brought before Israeli judges via video calls without legal representation.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has been denied access to Palestinian detainees since the Israeli war on Gaza began—a situation it describes as unprecedented. “This is the longest we have been without access to Israeli detention centers in decades,” a spokesperson said.