The United States Department has recently released an annual report highlighting a series of human rights violations occurring both in Israel as well as the Gaza Strip. This report outlines allegations of unlawful or arbitrary killings and torture by security forces, severe restrictions on free expression, and violence against minority groups, among other violations.
The U.S State Department, in its 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, examined the human rights conditions in almost 200 countries and territories, including Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Israel has been identified, in several instances, as a violator of human rights, along with the Palestinian groups in the territories they govern.
Unlawful or arbitrary killings remain a core issue in the region. The State Department report cites allegations of overstepping boundaries by Israeli security forces causing loss of lives unlawfully. Notably, it mentions that most cases, even if deemed of serious contravention, often don’t lead to a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
Torture is also identified as a recurring violation in the report. Despite the Israeli Supreme Court ruling forbidding torture, allegations persist of physical and psychological torture carried out by Israeli authorities. Palestinian detainees, in particular, have reported receiving harsh treatment, suffering at the hands of Israeli security forces.
Censorship is another significant human rights challenge recognized in the report, particularly in the Gaza Strip where the terrorist organization, Hamas, strictly monitors and controls the media landscape. Infringements on freedom of speech and press led to the arrest and detainment of many journalists and activists voicing criticism towards Hamas authorities.
Discrimination and violence against minority groups, particularly aim towards Arabs, was also intensely criticized. Regardless of legal protections, the report notes high levels of societal discrimination, verbal abuse, and physical assault against Arabs.
From a broader perspective, the State Department report also shines a light on issues of corruption, refugee abuse, and coercion of child soldiers by Palestinian militant groups. The document underscores human rights violations as a rampant issue in the conflicted areas of Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.
Furthermore, the report suggests a lack of transparent judiciary procedures in these areas. In particular, the report criticizes arbitrary detention and imprisonment, poor prison conditions, and the existence of political prisoners. Despite Israel’s functioning legal system, Palestinians have often experienced substandard practices, especially under military regulations.
On the positive side, however, the report does acknowledge Israel’s commitment to addressing human rights concerns through legal and social remedies where possible. There is recognition of the fact that Israel maintains open channels to investigate violations and prosecute offenders.
Overall, the State Department’s report emphasizes the scale of the human rights challenges in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip region. Action is called for by all entities involved to introduce policy changes, alter attitudes, and promote practices that respect and protect human rights for all individuals across these territories.