Berlin, May 14 (SANA) Germany called for an investigation into reports of sexual violence and abuse against Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons following a report published by The New York Times.
According to WAFA news agency, German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Martin Giese said Berlin condemns sexual violence “in all its forms.”
“We do not have our own findings regarding the cases mentioned in the report, but what is important now is to investigate these allegations and hold those responsible accountable,” Giese said.
Responding to a question about whether Germany would support independent organizations seeking access to Israeli prisons to investigate the allegations, Giese said Germany had consistently worked to ensure access for the International Committee of the Red Cross to Palestinian detainees.
Human Rights Watch said Wednesday that information published in the New York Times report regarding sexual violence and rape against Palestinian detainees was consistent with findings from previous investigations conducted by the organization.
Palestinian prisoner advocacy groups say detainees have faced increasingly harsh conditions since the start of the Israeli military campaign in Gaza in October 2023.
According to the groups, the number of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons increased by 83%, reaching more than 9,600 prisoners by the beginning of April, compared with around 5,250 before the war.
N.J/ABD
