Statements

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is a significant step that combines hope with many challenges

The agreement,which we hope will last , marks an end to the severe harm inflicted on the Palestinian population in Gaza, which endured a deadly and disproportionate attack, and also provides a reprieve for Israeli society, which paid a heavy price in the destructive and prolonged war. The release of three hostages in the initial phase of the agreement is a critical step, ending their harsh conditions in Hamas captivity. We hope for the release of the remaining Israeli hostages, who have suffered violence, torture, and inhumane conditions — both to enable their rehabilitation and to allow dignified burials for the deceased. The release of Palestinian prisoners as part of the agreement is another significant step, reducing the number of detainees in prisons and military camps, where a retaliatory policy of torture, degrading and cruel treatment, forced disappearances, and denial of the right to a fair trial has been practiced. The ceasefire is only the beginning of a long journey. Justice and rehabilitation must be ensured for all victims on both sides, and independent mechanisms must be established to investigate human rights violations during the war — including those that led to the deaths of dozens of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees — and to bring the perpetrators to justice. Furthermore, protections for the thousands of Palestinians still in detention must be strengthened through independent oversight mechanisms, primarily the ICRC, and they must be allowed to reconnect with their families. These steps are essential for the recovery of both societies and for shaping a reality where human rights are upheld unconditionally, ensuring that the horrors of the past year are not repeated. For decades, the Public Committee Against Torture and its Forensic Group of Experts have gained knowledge and expertise in documenting, identifying, and representing survivors of torture. As we proposed at the outbreak of the war, we now offer to make this knowledge available to Israelis harmed in the October 7, 2023, attack, the hostages, and their families, as well as to Palestinians who suffered torture during their detention and imprisonment in Israel. We, at the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, together with our partners in civil society and the human rights community in Israel and around the world, will continue to act resolutely to protect human rights and promote the values of justice. This commitment applies in times of normalcy, in emergencies, and even now, as we face increasing attempts by the government and other entities to restrict our actions and silence us. We will continue to strive for a reality where human dignity and humanity are paramount — for all of us, Israelis and Palestinians alike.