(MENAFN) A United Nations human rights expert has accused Israel of displaying a “gross disregard” for the treatment of Palestinian detainees, warning that emergency measures introduced after the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks have led to widespread allegations of abuse.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Alice Jill Edwards said that Palestinian prisoners have been exposed to conditions and treatment that may amount to torture, sexual violence, and potentially unlawful deaths.

She described allegations including severe beatings, electrocution, stress positions, sleep deprivation, starvation, and prolonged periods of incommunicado detention. According to her findings, detention facilities were also marked by overcrowding, disease, lack of medical care, and inadequate access to ventilation and sunlight.

Edwards said: “Emergency measures introduced after Oct. 7, 2023, exposed Palestinian detainees to torture, potentially unlawful deaths, incommunicado detention, and degrading conditions.”

Her investigation documented 52 reported incidents of torture or ill-treatment, along with 33 cases involving sexualized abuse or sexual violence.

The findings highlight what she described as systemic concerns regarding detention practices and compliance with international human rights standards.

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