A letter from mental health practitioners and activists sharply criticizes Western governments and media for overlooking what they describe as systemic brutality in Israeli prisons. They argue that torture, sexual abuse, and deaths in detention are not isolated incidents but deliberate state policy designed to dismantle Palestinian society.
The experts highlight a campaign to erode Palestinian civil society through "practices of degradation, humiliation and debilitation," targeting family and community bonds. They accuse Western leaders of a profound disservice by focusing criticism on "extremist fringes" instead of holding the state itself accountable.
A separate letter calls for more decisive action from the UK and Europe, including sanctions against trade with Israel and steps to end the occupation, arguing that current measures are insufficient.