UN torture expert welcomes Gaza ceasefire agreement and hostage release

The Special Rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, today welcomed the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas, which paves the way for an end to hostilities, release of Israeli hostages and freeing of many Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

“This is a day so many have hoped for,” Edwards said. “It represents a chance for the return of hostages taken during the lethal attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023, and an end to 15 months of Israeli bombardment, widespread killings and multiple displacements that have exacted a terrible toll on the civilian population of Gaza. I urge all those involved to ensure that humanitarian relief reaches those in need without obstruction.”

The torture expert noted that the first phase of the agreement allows many Gazans to return to their homes and for urgent humanitarian relief to be delivered. “This critical development could offer the chance for lasting peace and justice after a period of immense suffering,” she said.

The Special Rapporteur stressed the need for all actors to respect international human rights and humanitarian law and to prohibit and prevent further international crimes, in particular torture and other ill-treatment. “Independent and impartial investigations into all alleged violations are essential,” she said.

“This agreement is an important first step, allowing 33 Israeli hostages to return home. If fully implemented, it could be the start of a lasting truce and the beginning of a process towards a sustainable and just peace,” Edwards said.

“Despite this good news, the coming days and weeks will be nervous ones for the families of hostages still in captivity, as many have had no information about the condition of their loved ones or even if they are still alive,” the torture expert said. “Holding hostages is illegal under international law, and it amounts to a form of torture.”

The Special Rapporteur reiterated the need for continued vigilance regarding the treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody.

“They must be treated humanely and with dignity at all times, and all those arbitrarily detained must be released,” she said, adding that she would continue to raise with Israeli authorities her concerns about credible allegations of torture and ill-treatment, as well as her request to inspect detention facilities.

Edwards stressed that representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross must be granted immediate access to all hostages as well as Palestinian detainees.

“All allegations must be thoroughly investigated, those responsible held to account, and all victims of torture provided with justice and rehabilitation support,” she said.

The Special Rapporteur will remain engaged in the conflict and calls on all individuals and organisations who have credible information about abuses, as well as the consent of the alleged victims, to report them to her mandate. Details on this process can be found on the OHCHR website.