UN criticizes Israel over mass administrative detention of Palestinians
The UN’s deputy head for human rights in Palestine warned that over 9,000 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel, many without trial, and called for independent monitoring.
At the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, Neil Tobin, deputy head of UN Human Rights in Palestine, reported that Israel is detaining 9,329 Palestinians, about one-third of whom are held under administrative detention without charge or trial. An additional 1,393 individuals, mostly from Gaza, are labeled "unlawful combatants," a status that also bypasses standard judicial processes. Tobin cited a rise in deaths in custody since October 2023, counting 92 fatalities, among them Walid al-Basha, who died in March 2025 showing severe signs of starvation.
He urged that each death be investigated according to international norms and that Israel be held accountable for any wrongdoing. The UN official called for regular, unhindered access for independent monitors and the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained Palestinians.
Why it matters
The allegations raise serious concerns about human rights violations and the rule of law in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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