![Palestinian prisoners were brought to Abu Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah in south of Gaza as a result of the torture inflicted upon them during detention by Israeli forces in inhumane conditions [Firas Al-Shaer]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WhatsApp-Image-2023-12-27-at-16.09.08-1-e1718873478221.jpeg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1)
The United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Alice Jill Edwards has urged for an expedited investigation into the deaths of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons.
Edwards’s remarks were made in a statement to journalists in Geneva on the sidelines of her attendance at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, which began last week and continues until 4 April.
The special rapporteur affirmed that enforcing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza was a positive development, while condemning the maltreatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons, particularly after 7 October, 2023.
Edwards added: “Many Palestinian detainees were released as part of the exchange agreement, some of whom were arbitrarily detained and were subjected to extremely difficult conditions during their detention.”
Edwards described the condition of the detainees, noting their frailty and deteriorating health, emphasising the need for independent and impartial investigations into torture.
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