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Last Updated:November 30, 2025, 12:54 IST
The UN Committee Against Torture criticized Israel’s post-Oct 7 actions, detention conditions, torture reports, and lack of anti-torture law.
The UN Committee Against Torture criticized Israel’s post-Oct 7 actions, detention conditions, torture reports, and lack of anti-torture law.
The UN Committee Against Torture (CAT) has released its latest findings on Israel, Albania, Argentina, and Bahrain, raising a series of concerns over each country’s compliance with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment.
In its extensive assessment of Israel, the committee outlined multiple areas of serious concern, particularly regarding developments since the October 7, 2023, attacks and Israel’s subsequent military operations.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the committee’s observations:
1. Committee condemns October 7 attack, but flags Israel’s response as disproportionate
The UN panel began by unequivocally condemning the attack carried out by Hamas and affiliated groups against Israel on October 7, 2023. It extended condolences for the “reprehensible loss of life" and acknowledged the “indelible physical and emotional scars" inflicted on victims and their families.
However, it also voiced deep concern over what it described as the disproportionate nature of Israel’s response, noting that it has resulted in “massive loss of life and profound suffering for the Palestinian people."
2. Warning over deteriorating detention conditions and alleged collective punishment
The committee pointed to a significant deterioration in the “material conditions" across Israeli detention facilities. It said this appeared to be the result of a deliberate state policy of collective punishment, citing high-level statements made by Israel’s Minister of Security and other officials.
3. Reports of organised, widespread torture
The panel expressed alarm over reports indicating a de facto state policy of organised and widespread torture and ill-treatment during the reporting period. It noted these allegations had intensified sharply since October 7.
It further warned that several policies introduced during Israel’s continued “unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" could, if implemented as alleged, lead to cruel, inhuman, or degrading living conditions for Palestinians.
Committee calls for an independent commission of inquiryIn a strong recommendation, the committee urged Israel to:
Establish an independent, impartial, and effective ad hoc commission to investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment committed during the current armed conflict.Prosecute perpetrators, including those in positions of command responsibility.Ensure immediate entry of humanitarian aid and aid workers into Gaza.5. Lack of a standalone anti-torture law remains a major concern
The panel criticised Israel for still lacking a distinct criminal offense of torture, despite decades of recommendations. It highlighted that Israeli law allows public officials to evade prosecution under the “necessity" defence, which is used to justify unlawful physical pressure during interrogations.
6. Concern over use of undisclosed ‘special means’ during interrogations
The committee noted that Israel continues to allow the use of undisclosed “special means" or coercive methods employed in interrogations.
It urged Israel to:
Disclose the nature of these techniques.Enact a torture law compatible with the Convention’s definition.Ensure no exceptional circumstances are invoked to justify torture or ill-treatment. Security concerns acknowledged, but obligations remain bindingDespite its criticism, the committee recognized Israel’s ongoing security threats and reiterated condolences for the October 7 victims. It also noted Israel’s willingness to engage with questions relating to the “Occupied Palestinian Territory."
Israel acknowledged that the prohibition of torture applies across all legal frameworks binding the state, including those relevant to the territories.
8. Failure to implement earlier recommendations
The committee expressed regret that Israel had taken no action on previous recommendations concerning:
Independent medical examinations for detaineesAdministrative detentionSolitary confinement and isolationInvestigating allegations of torture and ill-treatment9. Notes on Israel’s legislative developments
The panel acknowledged Israel’s claim that torture is “effectively criminalized" through existing criminal statutes. It also took note of legislative steps taken during the reporting period, including the creation of an inter-governmental task force intended to introduce torture as a distinct criminal offense.
10. Findings on Albania, Argentina and Bahrain also released
Although Israel drew significant attention due to the scale of allegations, the committee simultaneously published findings on Albania, Argentina and Bahrain, raising separate concerns for each nation regarding detention conditions, accountability failures, and compliance with international norms.
Location :
New York, United States of America (USA)
First Published:
November 30, 2025, 12:54 IST
News world ‘De Facto State Policy Of Organised And Widespread Torture’: 10-Point UN Report Slams Israel
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