Israeli Supreme Court demands clarification about prison camp

The military had set up the Sde Teiman camp near the southern Israeli city of Beersheba after the terror attack by the Islamist Hamas and other groups on October 7 last year. The army detains terror suspects and militants there whom it has arrested in the course of the Gaza war. They are interrogated there and held until a later trial.

According to Israeli interpretation, they are "illegal combatants". This means that, as members of a terrorist organization, they do not receive the protection of a prisoner of war and the Third Geneva Convention with its detailed rules on the treatment of prisoners of war does not apply to them. This practice is internationally controversial.

The prisoners are said to include numerous Palestinians who were captured by mistake or on the basis of false information and assessments.

Former inmates, human rights groups and Israeli whistleblowers, including former doctors, have repeatedly reported torture and violence against prisoners. Among other things, detainees are said to have been beaten, sexually abused and injured. They were often forced to remain in painful positions. Many of the cable bandages used to tie their hands together were not removed for long periods of time. The resulting wounds were not treated. Amputations are even said to have occurred as a result. The Israeli military denies the allegations. According to the military, no unlawful practices are known.

A total of 4,000 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip are said to have been held in Sde Teiman for shorter or longer periods. In recent weeks, the military has begun transferring prisoners to other detention facilities. The Supreme Court decided on Sunday to demand clarification. Several Israeli human rights organizations had previously submitted a petition.