"We returned from hell’: Rights group raises alarm over torture in Israeli jails
France 24
by FRANCE24February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Committee to Protect Journalists has released a shocking report detailing systematic abuse of Palestinian media workers in Israeli detention centers between 2023 and 2026. The allegations include torture, starvation, sexual violence, and harsh solitary confinement aimed at silencing journalists. Many were held under administrative detention without formal charges or access to legal representation, leading to severe physical and psychological harm. Medical records and photographs corroborate testimonies of extreme weight loss, untreated injuries, and other forms of mistreatment.
The report, based on interviews with numerous former detainees, reveals a pattern of deliberate targeting of journalists to suppress critical reporting. Despite these allegations, the Israeli military maintains that it adheres to international standards and does not intentionally target media workers. However, advocates argue that such practices contravene humanitarian law and underscore a broader issue of press freedom under occupation.
This issue carries significant global implications, highlighting concerns over human rights violations and the erosion of press freedom. The report calls for urgent international accountability and independent investigations to address these allegations, emphasizing the importance of upholding justice and transparency in conflict zones.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/21/2026