Rights Group Urges Accountability for Gaza War
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), a New York-based organization, condemned severe human rights violations in the Middle East, particularly in Israeli-occupied Palestine, Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon, over the past year, calling for accountability and justice.
PHR stated that the conflicts in the region have resulted in "shocking harm to civilians and systematic violations of international law."
Sam Zarifi, the executive director of PHR, said, “These conflicts have been marked by severe human rights violations, including the targeting of civilians, conflict-related sexual violence, and torture ...”
Israel's treatment of Palestinian prisoners has been widely criticized for its use of administrative detention, which allows individuals to be held without trial or charge, and for allegations of torture and ill-treatment during interrogations, including physical and psychological abuse. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about poor prison conditions, including overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and restricted access to family visits and legal representation. The treatment of Palestinian children in detention, who are often subjected to harsh interrogation techniques and held alongside adults, has drawn particular concern.
He emphasized that the disregard for international law, alongside the obstruction of independent investigations into these abuses, is not limited to Israel but includes its global supporters as well.
This disregard, Zarifi said, has "significant implications" for the credibility of international law, not only in the region but across the globe.
He further stressed that establishing the truth and ensuring justice and accountability for violations are crucial to rebuilding trust and promoting lasting peace in the region.