UN Agency Accuses Israel of Abusing Detained Palestinian Staff Amid Gaza Conflict
April 29, 2025
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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The Guardian • Apr 29, 2025
Unrwa says Israel has abused detained staff and used some as human shields