Israel (Washington Insider Magazine)— Following a CNN investigation into alleged abuses at the Sde Teiman prison center in the Negev desert, Israel has begun transporting hundreds of Palestinian detainees. During a Supreme Court hearing on Wednesday, state attorney Aner Helman revealed that 700 detainees had already been sent to the Ofer military facility in the occupied West Bank, with another 500 scheduled to arrive soon. Around 200 detainees will remain in Sde Teiman, and a report on their status is expected within three days.
Legal Scrutiny and Human Rights Concerns
The Supreme Court hearing was initiated in response to a petition by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) and other human rights organizations, which cited CNN’s findings to argue for the closure of Sde Teiman. Judge Barak Erez questioned the legality of the facility’s operations, specifically regarding whether Israeli laws on the imprisonment of unlawful combatants were being applied.
International Reactions and Calls for Investigation
The CNN investigation detailed severe conditions at Sde Teiman, including continuous blindfolding and handcuffing of detainees. These revelations sparked international reactions, with the White House and Germany’s Foreign Office expressing deep concern. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and Unlawful Combatants, Alice Jill Edwards, called for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of mistreatment.
IDF Response and Internal Investigations
In response to the allegations, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi announced that the military had launched a probe into the conditions at Sde Teiman and other detention camps such as Anatot and Ofer. The committee is authorized to examine these conditions and is expected to submit its recommendations soon.
Deaths in Custody and Government Statements
Since the conflict began on October 7, 36 detainees have died in military detention camps, according to the IDF. These deaths reportedly include prisoners with pre-existing conditions or injuries from the ongoing hostilities. The IDF has stated that all deaths in detention prompt criminal investigations by the Military Police.
Future of Sde Teiman Facility
In a recent statement, the Israeli government indicated plans to reduce the number of inmates held at military facilities, particularly Sde Teiman, which will transition to serving as a reception, interrogation, and initial sorting facility for short-term detentions only.
IDF’s Commitment to Proper Conduct
The IDF responded to CNN’s allegations by asserting that it ensures proper conduct towards detainees, with investigations initiated when misconduct is suspected. The military stressed that detainees are handcuffed based on their risk level and health status and that any allegations of unlawful handcuffing are addressed.
The future of Sde Teiman remains under scrutiny as international and domestic pressures continue to mount in the wake of the investigation.
