An Israeli soldier has been found guilty of severe assaults of Palestinian detainees from Gaza, the first conviction for abuse in a system where dozens of people have died in custody and whistleblowers say torture and violence is rife.
Israeli soldier sentenced to seven months for assaults on Gaza detainees Rights groups say punishment is insufficient after first conviction for abuse in a system where dozens have died.
Hassan Jabareen, the director of the Palestinian rights group Adalah, said: “[Hajabi’s] case, including the punishment, indicates that Israel has a policy of impunity when it comes to their soldiers.
Israel Hajabi, 25, repeatedly attacked bound and blindfolded detainees with his fists, a baton and his assault rifle, a military court found, describing his actions as “serious and severe”.
Violence, extreme hunger, humiliation and other abuse of Palestinian prisoners has been normalised across Israel’s jail system, according to interviews with released prisoners.
