UN rights office urges humane treatment of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees
10 February 2025
Geneva – The UN human rights office on Friday called for the humane treatment of two Israeli hostages held by Hamas and dozens of Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails.
The office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said it was “concerned” about the welfare of Hisham al-Sayed and Avera Mengistu, two Israeli civilians who have been held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip since 2014 and 2015, respectively.
“We urge Hamas to provide information on their condition and to allow independent monitors to visit them,” said Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the human rights office. “We also remind Hamas of its obligations under international law to treat all detainees humanely.”
The office also expressed concern about the conditions of Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails, particularly those held in administrative detention. Administrative detention is a practice that allows Israel to hold detainees without charge or trial for renewable periods of up to six months.
“We urge Israel to release all Palestinians held in administrative detention without charge or trial,” Shamdasani said. “We also call on Israel to ensure that all detainees are treated in accordance with international law, including the prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment.”
The human rights office said it had received reports of ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails, including beatings, sleep deprivation and denial of medical care.
“We urge Israel to investigate these allegations promptly and impartially,” Shamdasani said. “Those responsible for any violations should be held accountable.”
The office also called on both sides to respect the rights of detainees and to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
“We urge both Hamas and Israel to take all necessary steps to ensure the humane treatment of detainees and to work towards a just and lasting peace,” Shamdasani said.
UN rights office urges humane treatment of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees
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