JERUSALEM: UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has issued a stern warning against an Israeli draft bill that seeks to recruit volunteers as prison guards, suggesting that such a move could result in increased abuses against Palestinian detainees. Her comments were made in a post on the social media platform X, where she condemned the proposal and called for action against Israel's political and military actions.
According to Anadolu Agency, Albanese described the proposed legislation as "so sickening," urging that "Israel MUST BE STOPPED: starting with its politicians, its soldiers, its settlers, and its ideological fanatics." She further stressed the need to "save the Palestinians from the depravity of the century."
The draft bill was introduced by Zvika Fogel, a member of the far-right Jewish Power party, and details were shared via a tweet thread by Itay Epshtain, an expert in international humanitarian law. The legislation aims to bolster the Israeli prison guard force by allowing volunteers to hold full authority over detainees, a move justified by an increase in incarcerations linked to ongoing conflicts.
Epshtain noted that the underlying political motivation is to allow violent extremists into the Israeli Prison Service, where they could potentially mistreat Palestinian detainees. He pointed to an explanatory note accompanying the bill that cites the need for more staff to handle the rising number of incarcerated Palestinians.
Albanese's comments echo wider international apprehensions regarding the treatment of Palestinian prisoners under Israeli jurisdiction. Human rights organizations have cautioned that introducing volunteers into prison services could worsen existing abuses and further diminish accountability.
The draft bill is slated for review by Israel's Ministerial Committee for Legislation. Albanese, along with other advocates, has called for international intervention to address what they perceive as a perilous and unjust policy.
The criticism comes amid heightened tensions, with Israel reportedly having killed over 45,500 people in Gaza following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The region has been left in ruins, and Israel is currently facing legal challenges at international courts. The International Criminal Court recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.