Alarming allegations from a freed detainee
A Palestinian man freed after nearly two years in Israeli custody has leveled serious accusations of systematic torture, humiliation, and death inside detention facilities. Akram al Basyouni, 45, from northern Gaza, described his experiences after his deportation and release, saying that detainees in Israeli shelters and military bases suffered brutal beatings, distressing conditions, and a pattern of killings that he asserts went unaddressed by guards.
Al Basyouni’s account follows reports that up to 1,700 Gazan detainees were held by Israel without charge at various points, raising concerns about the treatment of detainees amid broader regional tensions. He said he was detained on 10 December 2023 at a shelter school in Jabalia and spent almost two years in custody, including time at the Sde Teiman base, a site associated with Israeli security forces. The interview with Sky News forms part of ongoing testimony from former prisoners who allege unacceptable and in some instances lethal behavior by prison personnel.
What he described inside detention
Al Basyouni claimed the conditions extended beyond routine confinement to include violence and neglect. He described fellow prisoners beaten to death, guards responding with indifference when cries for help were raised. The interview recounts a culture of what he termed a “reception ceremony” during which detainees were subject to beatings, dog attacks, and gas exposure. He alleged that such abuses left many with broken ribs and other severe injuries, and that some prisoners were forced to endure cold metal floors for days while being punished for seeking basic necessities.
According to al Basyouni, the mistreatment encompassed verbal and religious abuse, including the desecration of religious texts and disparaging language aimed at prisoners’ families. He recalled despairing statements purportedly from guards: “There is no Gaza,” and “We killed your children.” These accosts, he said, were part of a broader pattern of intimidation and psychological pressure, with detainees sometimes deprived of clothing, blankets, and medical care.
Medical care and the fate of doctors
The freed prisoner said doctors among the detainees were not spared. He claimed some doctors died during custody after injuries sustained in beatings or due to medical neglect. He cited the case of Dr Adnan al-Bursh, a Gaza surgeon, who he said died after chest trauma inflicted by a guard. Sky News has noted the wider context of these claims, including its own investigation into Dr al-Bursh’s death that pointed to severe injuries sustained in custody. While IPS and Israeli officials have not publicly corroborated every detail, the account underscores persistent concerns about medical access for prisoners in the system.
Responses from authorities and the UN context
Israel asserts that it adheres to international and domestic standards for prisoner treatment and that any violations are investigated. The country’s security minister has previously positioned harsh conditions for Palestinian detainees as lawful within the framework of national security, a stance that critics say masks deeper human rights concerns. The UN has repeatedly called attention to the arbitrary detention of Palestinians, including those held incommunicado or without charge, noting that many have faced restrictions on food, water, sleep, and medical care since early October 2023.
Sky News has communicated with the Israel Prison Service (IPS) and the Israel Defense Forces for comment regarding these claims, but no response had been received at the time of publication. The IPS has historically stressed its investigations into alleged misconduct, while supporters of its approach argue that security considerations shape prison policy in a volatile regional landscape.
Why these reports matter
Accounts like al Basyouni’s contribute to ongoing debates about the treatment of detainees in conflict zones and the protection of human rights within detention facilities. They also intersect with broader discussions about accountability, access to medical care, and the role of international observers in monitoring situations where civilians from Gaza are held in Israeli custody. As with all such testimony, corroboration and independent verification remain essential to understanding the scope and scale of alleged abuses.
What comes next
As the story continues to unfold, international rights groups and journalists will likely pursue additional interviews and forensic assessments to determine whether patterns of torture or neglect persist. The international community is watching closely for credible investigations and transparent reporting that can inform policy, humane treatment standards, and accountability mechanisms for any violations.
