Occupation soldiers transport Palestinian detainees from Gaza last November (French)

Samah Jabr, a doctor and head of the mental health unit at the Palestinian Ministry of Health, believes that amid the escalation in cases of torture of Palestinians since October 7, there is an urgent need for health professionals to properly document such atrocities.

She stated - in an article published by the British Middle East Eye website - that torture is still a widespread reality in Palestine, where countless individuals have suffered untold physical and psychological trauma at the hands of the occupation forces.

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Jabr pointed out that this has been a serious problem, especially since the start of the Gaza War, as Palestinians told the British website that they were subjected to physical torture using dogs and electricity, mock executions, and detention in humiliating and humiliating conditions.

One of them described how he was tied, blindfolded, and held in a metal cage for 42 days.

The doctor added that such gross human rights violations require a comprehensive approach, including developing the specialized skills of healthcare professionals charged with documenting and treating survivors.

Documenting Torture


She noted that, by virtue of her training in the Istanbul Protocol for Documenting Torture, she devoted herself to providing her professional colleagues with the necessary tools to navigate through this difficult terrain.

As violence continues to escalate - with torture not limited to detention centers, but also witnessed on the streets of the occupied Palestinian territories and recorded on video - it has become more necessary than ever to strengthen the capabilities of health workers to document such violations, and thus amplify the voices of survivors in their quest for justice. Justice.

Jabr indicated that the main elements of torture include intentionally inflicting severe psychological or physical suffering for a specific purpose, with the participation of a person acting in an official capacity.

It considered the significant increase in the number of torture cases since October 7 to be a stark reminder of the urgent need to document these atrocities and hold their perpetrators accountable before the international community.

It detailed the types of psychological and physical torture practiced by Israeli investigators through systematic humiliation and manipulation, which undermines the victim’s sense of self and his ability to express his ordeal coherently.

After a period of healing the physical wounds, survivors face a myriad of psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and a profound distrust of others.

She commented that in the face of such abhorrent human rights violations, the “Istanbul Protocol” provides a unified framework for documenting torture that is based on compassion and human dignity.

By equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and materials, we can empower survivors to take back control of their narratives and amplify their voices to the world in the pursuit of accountability and equity.

She concluded by saying, "As we strive to combat torture and support the rights of victims, let us stand in solidarity with survivors, bear witness to their pain and tirelessly call for a future free of persecution and impunity."

Source: Middle East Eye