Arab League Condemns Abuse of Gaza Prisoners in Ramla Jail
The Arab League condemned repression and mistreatment of Gaza prisoners held in Ramla Prison and called for an independent international investigation.
Systematic torture and repression of Gaza prisoners held at Ramla Prison drew strong condemnation on Sunday, the Arab League said in a statement.
The League's General Secretariat warned that the treatment of detainees in the "Rakafet" wing has caused injuries and burns to several prisoners.
It described the practices as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, including the four 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, as well as the Convention against Torture.
The League said such acts amount to crimes against humanity that require accountability.
It demanded an immediate end to all repressive practices and mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners, and that they be treated in line with international human rights standards and humanitarian law.
The League urged the International Committee of the Red Cross and independent oversight bodies be granted unrestricted access to Ramla Prison and the Rakafet wing to document conditions and provide medical care to the injured.
It also called for an independent and transparent international investigation, the prosecution of those responsible, and the immediate release of sick and wounded prisoners.
The League reaffirmed that the Palestinian cause is central to joint Arab action and expressed full solidarity with Palestinian prisoners and their families.
It called on the international community, the Human Rights Council and the United Nations General Assembly to protect Palestinian civilians and prisoners and to end what it described as a policy of impunity.
Palestinian prisoners held by Israel have long been a central concern for Palestinian groups and rights organizations, which have repeatedly raised alarms about conditions in detention facilities.
