Leaked Video Allegedly Showing Israeli Soldiers Sexually Assaulting Palestinian Prisoner Ignites Global Outrage; U.S. Demands Thorough Investigation and Accountability

A leaked video that allegedly captures Israeli soldiers sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee at one of its detention facilities has sparked a global outcry, with mounting demands for accountability and justice. 

From the surveillance footage, broadcasted by an Israeli Channel 12, it was revealed a group of Israeli reservist soldiers removed a detainee from a lineup of blindfolded Palestinian prisoners. 

He was subsequently led to a secluded area where the abuse took place. 

The report indicated that the soldiers were aware of the surveillance cameras and attempted to hide their identities and actions behind shields. “The video provides evidence of the reservists' crime: the act of sodomy under these conditions,” the report stated, according to Anadolu Agency. 

The channel reported that the Palestinian detainee was hospitalized after bleeding for several hours, with his condition described as "serious." 

“According to a medical report, the injury resulted from the insertion of an object,” Channel 12 Israel reported. 

UN Human Rights Office described newly surfaced footage as "shocking." 

"It is one of many seen in recent months involving gross violations against Palestinian detainees by Israel, including acts of ill-treatment, torture, sexual violence and rape," spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said.

He noted that a recent report from his office reveals "multiple serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws," including sexual and gender-based violence against those in custody, with some actions potentially qualifying as war crimes. 

After the incident in late July, nine soldiers were arrested. However, as of the latest updates, no charges have been filed by the Israeli military prosecution. 

The incident sparked actions from far-right Israeli groups, which included an MP, a minister and demonstrators raiding a military court building to protest measures against the soldiers. 

Meanwhile, during a meeting of lawmakers, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party Hanoch Milwidsky defended the rape and abuse of Palestinian prisoners. 

In a heated outburst, the lawmaker argued that any actions against "terrorists" in custody were justified, despite colleagues' concerns about the alleged misconduct. 

Initially, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) reported that the soldiers were accused of "significant abuse" towards detainees, without specifying any allegations of rape. 

The U.S. has called on Israel to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure accountability for those responsible. 

“There must be zero tolerance for sexual abuse or rape of any detainee. Period,” said U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. He labeled the leaked footage and reports of abuse as “horrific,” stressing the need for Israel to fully investigate all claims of detainee mistreatment, including sexual assault. 

Since the onset of Israel’s Gaza offensive in early October, reports of severe mistreatment of Palestinian detainees have surfaced, painting a grim picture of alleged human rights violations. 

The Israeli Supreme Court is now reviewing a petition from local human rights organizations, highlighting the brutal conditions at a prison where Palestinian detainees from Gaza are reportedly subjected to torture and denied medical care. 

Despite frequent claims by Israeli authorities to investigate such abuses, concrete actions and accountability remain elusive.