Re. Sanctioning the government of Israel for the systematic torture and ill-treatment of Palestinians in Israeli detention

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  Dear Foreign Secretary,

  Re. Sanctioning the government of Israel for the systematic torture and ill-

  treatment of Palestinians in Israeli detention

  We write to express our deep concern that the government has yet to sanction

  members of the Israeli government for the systematic torture and ill-treatment of

  Palestinian detainees, including children, in Israeli detention.

  Responsibility for the systematic and well-documented torture of Palestinian civilians

  lies with the government of Israel, including Prime Minister Netanyahu.

  While the sanctions announced in June 2025 against ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and

  Bezalel Smotrich remain welcome, they have done little to change the government of

  Israel’s approach to Palestinian detainees. Since the sanctions were announced, the

  systematic torture of Palestinians, including children, has escalated, with near total

  impunity. For example:

  • In February 2026, a report by the UN Special Rapporteur found that “torture

  has become integral to the domination of and punishment inflicted on

  [Palestinian] men, women and children, both through custodial abuse and

  through a relentless campaign of forced displacement, mass killings,

  deprivation and the destruction of all means of life”.

  • On 12 March 2026, the Military Advocate dropped charges in a case involving

  the alleged rape of a Palestinian detainee by Israeli soldiers, a decision praised

  by Prime Minister Netanyahu. The rape was partially captured on CCTV

  footage.

  • On 29 April and 18-19 May 2026, Israeli naval forces violently intercepted

  Global Sumud Flotilla and Freedom Flotilla Coalition vessels in international

  waters, subsequently detaining members of the flotilla and subjecting them to

  ill-treatment, including beatings. British nationals allege they were beaten, with

  one shot in the leg. Footage of some of the degrading treatment flotilla

  members were subjected to was published by Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

  The above is illustrative of the impunity with which the government of Israel is able to

  treat civilians. We urge you to take further steps to help end this impunity by

  sanctioning the government of Israel’s Minister of Justice, Yariv Levin and Prime

  Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

  Yours sincerely,