An Israeli television channel has broadcast CCTV footage allegedly showing Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers sexually abusing a Palestinian detainee.
The video shows dozens of prisoners lying face down on the floor with their hands on the backs of their heads.
One of the prisoners is led away to a discreet corner. Three soldiers then appear to use shields to block the view.
Only a metre or so away, a military dog on a lead can be seen barking fiercely at the prisoner.
The incident, which is said to have taken place at the Sde Teiman prison in July, has been severely criticised by the White House as “deeply concerning” and should be fully investigated.
Image: Prisoners lie face down with their hands on the back of their heads. Pic: Channel 12
The US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller was asked about the video and said: “We have seen the video, and reports of sexual abuse of detainees are horrific. They ought to be investigated fully by the government of Israel, by the IDF.
“There ought to be zero tolerance for sexual abuse, rape of any detainee, period.
“If there are detainees who have been sexually assaulted or raped, the government of Israel, the IDF, need to fully investigate those actions and hold anyone responsible accountable to the full extent of the law,” he said.
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The United Nations also urged a “full-scale investigation” and referenced “a number of videos in recent months which show gross violations of the rights of Palestinians detained by Israel including acts of ill-treatment, torture, sexual violence, and rape”.
The facility, in Israel’s Negev region, is holding many Gazans suspected of participating in or aiding the 7 October attacks.
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They are held without charge, guarded by IDF reservists and military police, and have no access to lawyers.
In recent weeks, there have been reports that some of the prisoners were raped by guards.
Riots broke out and the prison was stormed by far-right Israelis demanding the release of nine soldiers arrested on suspicion of abuse.
Sky News has approached the IDF for comment on the footage.
Source : Sky News
