The evidence includes a wide range of abuses and even torture inflicted on Palestinian civilians from Gaza and the West Bank. Most of them were forcibly taken by the IDF, often as an act of collective punishment in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel, as well as to extract intelligence on the location of Hamas tunnels and Yahya Sinwar, former head of Hamas. The victims include a wide range of individuals, such as children, the elderly, individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities, pregnant women, doctors, paramedics, hospital directors, journalists, political figures, religious leaders, activists, and foreign nationals. In several cases, adult male civilians were used as human shields, forced to wear either Hamas or IDF uniforms, and sent into civilian homes, tunnels, and buildings in Gaza, placing them at extreme risk. The methods of torture and abuse encompass both physical and psychological abuse. 

Torture methods include but are not limited to: 

• Medical Neglect: Denial of medications and medical treatment such as diabetes, heart and cancer medications.

• Medical Torture: Abuse involving medical procedures, sometimes leading to death.

• Severe Beatings: Prolonged physical violence.

• Attacks by military dogs including sexual violence: Assaults using dogs, including sexual acts.

• Starvation & Thirst: Deprivation of basic necessities.

• Death Threats: Threats made against detainees and their families.

• Psychological Torture: Inflicting mental harm through various means.

• Sleep Deprivation: Denying individuals rest.

• Solitary Confinement: Isolation from other people.

• Denial of Religious Rights: Preventing individuals from practicing their religion.

• Forced to act as Human Shields: Using detainees to protect others.

• Mock Executions and Real Executions: Simulated or actual killings.

• Poor Detention Conditions: Inadequate living conditions.

• Filming of Torture Sessions: Recording acts of torture.

• Administration of drugs during Interrogations: Giving substances to detainees during questioning.

• Burning:  Inflicting burns or marks on the skin. 

• Branding: Burning the “Star of David” into the skin.

• Waterboarding: Simulated drowning.

• Electric Shock: Causing pain through electric currents.

• Stress Positions: Forcing painful body positions.

• Sensory Deprivation: Isolating individuals in disorienting environments.

• Burning: Inflicting pain with fire or heat.

• Mock Executions: Simulated executions to instill fear.

• Isolation and Solitary Confinement: Total isolation from human contact.

• Ritualistic Torture: Abuse tied to cultural or religious beliefs.

• Psychological Manipulation: Mental abuse through tactics and threats.

• Starvation: Deprivation of food.

• Humiliation: Acts intended to shame victims.

• Sexual violence: Various forms of sexual assault and abuse.

Throughout history, torture has emerged as a brutal tactic during armed conflicts, ethnic cleansing, and genocides, revealing the darkest sides of humanity. Torture has long been a tool of oppression, with methods that chill the spine and haunt the conscience. Torture, under international humanitarian law, is defined as any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for purposes such as obtaining information, punishment, or intimidation. This definition is grounded in various legal frameworks, notably the United Nations Convention Against Torture, which prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment in all circumstances. The unequivocal stance of international law against torture reflects a commitment to human dignity and the protection of fundamental rights.

The prohibition of torture is a cornerstone of international law, firmly established in both the Rome Statute and the Geneva Conventions. Under Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, torture is classified as a crime against humanity when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population. This highlights the severity with which the international community views the act of torture, reflecting a collective commitment to uphold human dignity and rights.

The Geneva Conventions, particularly Common Article 3, explicitly prohibit torture and inhumane treatment of individuals not only in armed conflict but also in all forms of detention. This includes protections for those who are hors de combat (out of the fight), ensuring that all individuals are treated humanely, without adverse distinction based on race, nationality, religion, or any other status.

By codifying the ban on torture, these legal frameworks assert that no exceptional circumstances—whether in times of war, threat of war, internal political instability, or any other public emergency—can justify the inhumane treatment of individuals. The commitment to these principles is vital for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring accountability for those who would resort to torture, reinforcing the message that torture is utterly intolerable and will not be tolerated in any form.

The severity of torture is generally assessed based on the physical and psychological harm, the method used, the duration, and the intent behind the act. International tribunals and conventions recognize varying degrees of severity, often distinguishing between torture and cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment.

The documentation amassed by the Sarkha Project underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice for the victims of these acts. Our commitment to exposing these human rights violations serves not only to highlight the plight of those affected but also to advocate for systemic change. By presenting a comprehensive analysis of the torture methods employed, we seek to inform the international community of the ongoing crisis and galvanize support for measures that will protect the rights and dignity of Palestinians.

A public summary of our findings is available. To protect the identities of victims, journalists, and their families, the complete evidence package is not publicly accessible. However, the full evidence is available to legal teams and organizations actively pursuing legal cases and requiring this information.

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