US investigating IDF unit over human rights allegations: Report

The US State Department is reviewing an Israel Defence Forces unit in charge of guarding detainees from Gaza for alleged human rights violations which could have implications for US assistance

According to an Axios report, citing two Israeli officials and two US officials, the review focuses on the IDF’s ‘Force 100,’ and no findings have been reached yet.

Several members of the unit are standing trial in Israel for allegedly sexual assaulting a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman detention camp, dubbed “the Israeli Guantanamo” by human rights organisations, added the report.

Multiple reports have highlight alleged human rights violations at Sde Teiman, a detention facility for Hamas militants linked to the October 7 attacks, where over 30 detainees are reported to have died since then.

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In response to international criticism, the IDF has begun shutting down the center, and Israeli human rights organisations have appealed to the Supreme Court regarding the situation.

Under the “Leahy Law,” US foreign aid and training to foreign military units with credible human rights violations could be blocked. The State Department is currently reviewing the unit, with US officials in contact with the Israeli Foreign Ministry about several incidents involving “Force 100”, reported Axios.

The US has emphasised the need for transparency and coordination with Israel regarding the review process.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to arrive in Israel to address concerns about Palestinian detainee conditions and has previously urged Israel to grant the Red Cross access to detention facilities.

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Meanwhile, scrutiny of IDF operations continues, particularly in light of civilian casualties in Gaza and Lebanon.

With inputs from agencies