Germany on Wednesday called for an inquiry into allegations of torture and sexual abuse against Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody following a New York Times report detailing claims of mistreatment and sexual violence.
"We have, of course, taken note of these reports. As a matter of principle, the federal government condemns sexual violence in all contexts. We do not have any information of our own regarding the cases mentioned, which is why it is absolutely crucial that these allegations be investigated and that the perpetrators be held accountable," said foreign ministry spokesman Martin Giese at a press briefing in Berlin.
Asked whether the German government would support independent bodies gaining access to prisons in Israel to investigate the matter, Giese replied, "Well, this is a policy that the federal government has been pursuing for a long time. We are committed to ensuring that the International Committee of the Red Cross has access to Palestinian prisoners."
On Sunday, a New York Times opinion columnist alleged that Palestinian detainees have been subjected to widespread sexual violence by Israeli prison guards, soldiers, occupiers, and interrogators, citing interviews with former detainees and findings from rights groups.
