UN Human Rights Office expresses worry over “emaciated images” of hostages, prisoners in Gaza ceasefire exchange
DEIR AL BALAH, GAZA - JUNE 20: Palestinian detainees are viewed after they have been released by Israeli army, in Deir Al Balah, Gaza on June 20, 2024. The Israeli army released a number of Palestinians detained during its attacks against the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians who were released east of the city in the central Gaza Strip were seen to be weakened and had scars on their bodies. (Photo by Ashraf Amra/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, has expressed deep distress over the images of “emaciated Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees” released under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
“The images we have seen of Israeli hostages released over the weekend show signs of ill-treatment and severe malnourishment, reflecting very dire conditions they were subjected to in Gaza,” Al-Kheetan stated.
He also criticized the public parading of hostages by Hamas, noting that some captives appeared to make statements under duress.
Similarly, the UN official denounced reports from Palestinian detainees freed from Israeli custody, who described harsh treatment and severe conditions during their imprisonment. The manner of their release has also raised serious human rights concerns, he added.
Al-Kheetan urged both Israel and Hamas to ensure humane treatment, freedom from torture, and protection from abuse for all those in their custody.
Additionally, he called for the unconditional release of all captives held in Gaza and urged Israel to free all those arbitrarily detained.
