UN Agency Accuses Israel of Abusing Detained Palestinian Staff Amid Gaza Conflict

April 29, 2025
UN Agency Accuses Israel of Abusing Detained Palestinian Staff Amid Gaza Conflict
  • Hamas continues to hold 59 hostages, with families of deceased hostages expressing concerns about the retrieval of their loved ones' remains amidst the ongoing conflict.

  • The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, has accused Israel of mistreating over 50 of its detained staff members since the Gaza war began in October 2023.

  • Reports indicate that these detainees experienced sleep deprivation, humiliation, and threats against themselves and their families, alongside forced confessions.

  • Philippe Lazzarini, Unrwa's head, revealed that the detained staff, which includes teachers and medical personnel, faced severe mistreatment such as beatings and being used as human shields.

  • The alleged abuse reportedly occurred in both Gaza and Israeli military detention sites, although the Israeli military has not directly addressed these accusations.

  • Relations between Israel and Unrwa have significantly deteriorated since the onset of the conflict, with Israel banning cooperation with the agency and accusing it of being infiltrated by Hamas.

  • Negotiations for a new ceasefire have stalled, with little expectation for an immediate resolution, although upcoming diplomatic efforts may apply pressure for a deal.

  • The International Court of Justice is reviewing Israel's humanitarian obligations towards Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict, which Israel has dismissed as an anti-Israel political maneuver.

  • Since the ceasefire ended on March 18, 2025, over 2,151 Palestinians, including 732 children, have been killed due to the ongoing Israeli bombardment.

  • Since the beginning of the offensive, Israeli forces have reportedly killed over 52,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, and displaced around 80% of Gaza's population.

  • Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza, restricting essential supplies and prompting accusations of using starvation tactics against the civilian population.

  • An Israeli attack on ambulances in southern Gaza on March 23, 2025, resulted in the deaths of eight PRCS staff members, igniting international condemnation.

Summary based on 1 source


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