The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Jerusalem

An Israeli rights group claimed on Sunday the military regularly abuses Palestinian prisoners, including children, after their arrest.

In its annual report, the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel mentions 90 cases of detainees claiming to have been mistreated by soldiers.

"On certain occasions, the ill treatment of Palestinian detainees is highly violent, resulting in serious injuries," the report said. "At other times, abuse manifests itself in a routine of beating, degradation and additional abuse."

"Minors, who must be granted special protection under both Israeli and international law are also victims of abuse," the group said. The report, which covers the period from June 2006 to October 2007, lists numerous cases of Palestinian prisoners who were abused "after they had been arrested, bound and no longer present a danger to soldiers." It criticised what it called "the absolute indifference" shown by the military hierarchy, the defence ministry, the parliament and the state comptroller.

Meanwhile, Israel was set to increase the number of trucks bringing badly needed supplies into the Gaza Strip on Sunday as a truce with Hamas militants entered its fourth day, a military spokesman said.

A total of 90 trucks would enter Gaza through the Sufa crossing during the day, up from between 60 to 70 before the truce went into effect, said spokesman 2nd Lt. Gil Karie. Further increases will be weighed if the quiet continues, he said. Ihab Ghussen, a spokesman for the Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry in Gaza, said the increase was in keeping with the terms of the cease-fire brokered by Egypt. The goods include milk, fruits and vegetables and other food products. Other goods, like cement, are supposed to be allowed in 10 days after the beginning of the truce, Ghussen said. But the amount of fuel sent into Gaza remained unchanged Sunday. Israel has slashed fuel shipments in response to attacks from Gaza, leading to a severe shortage and crippling transportation in the territory.

The truce has held since it went into effect on Thursday morning following months of clashes between the Israeli military and Gaza militants firing rockets at Israeli towns and attacking Israeli troops along the border.