The UN human rights office (OHCHR) has called on Israel and Hamas to ensure that all people they are holding are treated humanely.

“Israel and Hamas must ensure humane treatment, including freedom from any form of torture or abuse, for all those held under their power,” OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said in a statement.

Mr Al-Kheetan said images of emaciated Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees released as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement had been deeply distressing.

He added that the pictures of Israeli hostages released this past weekend show signs of ill-treatment and severe malnourishment, reflecting the dire conditions they were subjected to in Gaza.

“We are also deeply concerned by the public parading of hostages released by Hamas in Gaza, including statements apparently made under duress during release,” Mr Al-Kheetan said.

Meanwhile, Palestinians released from Israeli detention have revealed similar treatment under severe conditions, described by OHCHR as distressing and cause for serious concern.

The spokesperson reminded all parties to the conflict that torture and other forms of ill-treatment of protected persons are war crimes, and those found guilty must receive sentences commensurate to the severity of their conduct.

“We reiterate that the taking of hostages is a war crime. Hamas must immediately and unconditionally release all hostages, and Israel must immediately and unconditionally release all those arbitrarily detained,” Mr Al-Kheetan added.

(NAN)