Alarming Statements from US Spokesperson Jean-Pierre
US White House Spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre, in her daily press briefing, assessed the news of the rape of a Palestinian by Israeli soldiers in the Sde Teiman detention center. Jean-Pierre stressed that such violations are unacceptable, “Reports of rape, torture and abuse are deeply concerning. We have made it clear to Israel that it must treat all prisoners with humanity and dignity in accordance with international law, respect the human rights of prisoners and act responsibly in the event of any abuse or violation.”said.
Jean-Pierre stated that they are closely following the investigation launched by the Israeli army into the incident and will continuously discuss this issue with their Israeli counterparts. He also stated that everyone must act in accordance with the rule of law.
Strong Message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Regarding the rape case at the Sde Teiman detention center, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said: “There should be zero tolerance for sexual assault and rape of any prisoner. Period. This is a core belief of the United States.”made the statement.
Debates within the Israeli Government
When Israeli military police went to Sde Teiman on July 29 to detail 10 Israeli soldiers over accusation of raping a Palestinian, the incidents erupted when the soldiers resisted. The situation was further fueled by messages of support for the rapist soldiers from some Israeli ministers, such as the far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Following these messages of support, far-right Israelis, including members of parliament, raided Sde Teiman. Similar groups forced their way into the Beit Lid base, where the military court for detained soldiers is located, in the evening. The raids by far-right extremists on two military bases in one day sparked widespread debate in Israel.
Detained Soldiers and the Court Process
Five of the 10 soldiers detained were released by an Israeli court, while the investigation into the others continues. The court extended the detention period of five soldiers accused of raping a Palestinian until August 11.
The Dark Side of Sde Teiman Detention Center
Sde Teiman detention center, located in southern Israel, is frequently in the news for torture and inhumane treatment. New York Times A report in the newspaper reported that Gazans detained in Sde Teiman were blindfolded, handcuffed and made to sit silently on the ground in an open area for up to 18 hours a day. The report stated that Palestinian detainees brought to the detention center stayed there for up to three months and that many were subjected to inhumane treatment and torture during the interrogation process.
Some Gazans who were held here and later released have made public the torture they suffered in Sde Teiman, once again revealing how unacceptable this situation is in terms of international human rights.
