The US Calls The Rape Of Israeli Soldiers Against Palestinian Prisoners Terrible, Must Be Legally Processed

Shita Prison, Israel/PHOTO Via Wikimedia Commons/Padres Hana

JAKARTA - The United States insists there is no tolerance for sexual harassment or rape of prisoners following video footage showing Israeli soldiers sexually harassing Palestinian prisoners at the Sde Teiman detention camp.

"There should be zero tolerance for sexual harassment, rape of any detainee, Period. That is the United States' fundamental belief," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

According to him if any detainee is subjected to harassment, sexual harassment, or rape, Israel needs to "investigate fully" the action and hold those involved accountable.

Miller said videos and reports of sexual harassment at the notorious Israeli detention center were "terrible," and emphasized the rights of prisoners "need respect."

"The IDF should be in this case conducting an investigation, arresting a number of people suspected of being involved, and I will not discuss the results of the investigation, but an investigation must be carried out quickly," he continued.

Responding to reactions by Israeli extreme right-handed politicians protesting the arrest of soldiers suspected of raping Palestinian prisoners, and some lawmakers trying to justify the rape, Miller said: "There is no justification for rape of anyone, as I said, there should be no tolerance for sexual violence against prisoners."

Our principle, which we believe should be applied in Israel, is a principle that must be applied anywhere in the world, and the rule of law must be enforced. So, we have seen the statement of the IDF chief of staff that this investigation is important, and they will continue the investigation, and that is very appropriate," he added.

Meanwhile, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre argued the report was "very, very concerning".

"We have emphasized and are consistent with Israel that they must treat all detainees humanely and dignifiedly in accordance with international law, must respect the human rights of prisoners and must ensure accountability for any abuse or abuse," he said, adding that the US was supporting Israel's military investigation.

Several Israeli media showed a video in which Israeli soldiers allegedly raped a Palestinian prisoner at Sde Teiman Prison in the Negev desert, southern Israel.

Last month, 10 Israeli soldiers were detained on suspicion of raping Palestinian prisoners in detention centers, and three of them were released on Sunday after new evidence emerged.

Several reports have emerged regarding serious violations of Palestinian prisoners since the start of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip

Israel's Supreme Court is considering a petition filed by Israeli human rights organizations regarding the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in the prison, where prisoners from Gaza face torture and medical neglect.

Israeli authorities often claim to have investigated such incidents, but real results are rarely seen.

The incident sparked action from Israel's right-handed extreme group, including a member of parliament, a minister, and demonstrators who stormed the military court building to protest against the army's actions.