Israel's only hospital dedicated to treating Palestinians detained by the military in the Gaza Strip is under scrutiny for alleged inhumane conditions. Patients have been reported to be shackled and blindfolded during treatment, with surgeries sometimes performed without adequate pain relief. The hospital, located near Beersheba in southern Israel, was initially set up to treat wounded militants after a Hamas attack on Oct. 7. However, it has since been criticized for its treatment of detainees, many of whom are non-combatants held without trial.
Accusations of mistreatment at the Sde Teiman military field hospital have prompted calls for its closure from human rights groups and critics. The hospital's practices have come under increased scrutiny, with reports of patients being diapered, shackled, and blindfolded, even during medical procedures. While the military denies allegations of inhumane treatment, concerns persist about the lack of transparency and accountability at the facility.
Despite claims of providing necessary medical attention to detainees, reports from hospital workers suggest a different reality. Patients have been described as enduring squalid conditions in the detention center, with inadequate wound care leading to infections. The use of blindfolds and restraints on patients has raised questions about the hospital's treatment protocols and adherence to ethical standards.
Efforts to investigate the hospital's practices are underway, with a committee formed by the military to review detention center conditions. Human rights groups are also seeking intervention from Israel's highest court to address concerns about the treatment of detainees. The lack of access for journalists and international organizations has further fueled calls for greater oversight and transparency at the facility.
As allegations of medical negligence and mistreatment continue to surface, the controversy surrounding Israel's military field hospital underscores the complex challenges of providing healthcare in conflict zones. The need to balance security concerns with ethical standards remains a pressing issue as the hospital's operations come under further scrutiny.
