Israel (Washington Insider Magazine)— Following an investigation by CNN that exposed purported abuses, Israel has been under increasing pressure to release Palestinian inmates from the Sde Teiman detention facility located in the Negev desert. The action, which was made public during a historic Supreme Court of Israel session, represents a major turning point in the ongoing discussion about the treatment of Gazan inmates.
Transfers Underway as State Attorney Addresses Supreme Court
According to CNN, State attorney Aner Helman informed the Supreme Court that 700 detainees had already been relocated to the Ofer military facility in the occupied West Bank, with plans to transfer another 500 in the coming weeks. Approximately 200 detainees will remain at Sde Teiman, with the state pledging an update on their status within three days.
Court Hearing Prompted by Human Rights Petition
The Supreme Court session was convened following a petition by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) and other human rights organizations, citing concerns raised by CNN’s investigative report on the conditions at Sde Teiman. During the hearing, Justice Barak Erez pressed the state’s legal team on the facility’s compliance with Israeli law.
International Outcry Spurs Action
CNN’s exposé, featuring testimonies from Israeli whistleblowers and Palestinian former detainees, ignited global outrage. The White House expressed deep concern over the allegations, while Germany’s Foreign Office condemned the reported practices. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture called for an investigation into the mistreatment of Palestinian detainees.
Military Launches Probe Amidst Growing Criticism
In response to the allegations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated an inquiry into the treatment of detainees not only at Sde Teiman but also at Anatot and Ofer detention camps. The committee examining the conditions of Palestinian detainees from Gaza is expected to submit its recommendations to IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi this month.
Shift in Policy Following Public Outcry
Facing mounting pressure, the Israeli government announced plans to reduce the number of inmates held in military facilities, including Sde Teiman, to repurpose the site for temporary detention, interrogation, and initial processing of prisoners.
Military Denies Allegations, Vows Investigation
In response to the accusations presented in the CNN story, the IDF reiterated its dedication to maintaining appropriate behavior towards detainees. The military underlined its policy for handcuffing detainees depending on security risk and health status, without specifically disputing any charges, and it promised to look into any misbehavior.
Israel aims to uphold its commitment to human rights norms and address concerns over the treatment of Palestinian inmates by following the court’s orders and opening investigations into suspected abuses.