From colony to cell: Sexual violence in Israeli prisons

The United Nations documented sexual violence against Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons on January 29, 2024, identifying at least one instance of rape and sexual assault. This finding is part of a broader pattern of abuse reported by various organizations and individuals. A report by Physicians for Human Rights Israel detailed accounts from former detainees alleging systematic sexual abuse, including strip searches, forced nudity, and sexual humiliation, occurring between October 7, 2023, and December 31, 2023. The UN's report specifically highlighted credible information indicating that sexual violence, including rape and sexual assault, may be occurring in detention facilities. These allegations have led to international calls for independent investigations into the treatment of detainees.