The Israeli branch of Physicians for Human Rights has condemned a widespread policy of abuse inflicted on Gazan healthcare workers in Israeli custody, denouncing mistreatment “amounting to torture”, AFP reports.

In a report, PHRI said that the Israeli military had detained more than 250 medical personnel and support staff in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, 2023.

More than 180 remain in detention without a clear indication of when or if they will be released, according to the report.

“Detainees endure physical, psychological and sexual abuse, as well as starvation and medical neglect amounting to torture,” it said, denouncing a “deeply ingrained policy”.