OIC Demands International Efforts To Stop War Crimes Against Palestinians In Israeli Custody

On the significant occasion of Palestinian Prisoner's Day, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has voiced its deep concern regarding the escalating arbitrary detention campaigns by the Israeli forces in the occupied Palestinian territories. This surge in detentions has resulted in over 9,500 individuals being imprisoned, encompassing 80 women and more than 200 children. A staggering number of over 3,600 detainees are held administratively without any formal charges or trial, while approximately 600 prisoners are currently serving life sentences.

The OIC has also reiterated its strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation's practices, which have led to the tragic loss of 16 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails since the start of their detention. Furthermore, an additional 27 prisoners from the Gaza Strip have succumbed to torture and medical neglect. The organization highlighted that these events starkly illustrate the grave injustice and violation of human rights faced by Palestinian prisoners under Israeli custody.

According to the OIC, the treatment of Palestinian detainees by Israeli authorities constitutes a blatant disregard for basic human rights and is characterized by collective punishment, abuse, persecution, medical neglect, isolation, and both physical and psychological torture. These actions are in direct contravention of international humanitarian law, including the Charter of Human Rights and the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, among other relevant international standards.

In light of these severe violations, the OIC has called upon the international community and human rights organizations to take immediate action. It urges these bodies to compel Israeli authorities to treat Palestinian prisoners in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and all applicable international humanitarian laws and conventions. Additionally, the OIC demands a thorough investigation into the crimes committed against prisoners by the Israeli occupation.

Emphasizing its unwavering solidarity with Palestinian prisoners, the OIC reaffirms its commitment to supporting their resilience and advocating for their rights on a global stage. The organization's goal is to ensure that the plight of these individuals is recognized internationally, thereby paving the way for their eventual freedom and justice.

With inputs from SPA