“Family of Palestinian American Detained by Israeli Forces Alleges Mistreatment and Lack of Consular Access”

Family of Palestinian American Detained by Israeli Forces Alleges Mistreatment and Lack of Consular Access

In a distressing turn of events, Samaher Esmail, a Palestinian American, has been detained by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the West Bank. Shockingly, more than a week later, she still hasn’t been granted consular access by the US government. Esmail’s family has come forward with alarming allegations of mistreatment and denial of medication during her time in Israeli custody.

According to her family, Esmail, 46, was forcefully taken from her home by IDF members and subjected to severe beatings while in Israeli custody. To add insult to injury, her home was also destroyed in the process. The family further revealed that despite Esmail having her prescription medication with her at the time of her arrest, the IDF has callously refused to administer it.

Equally concerning is the lack of consular access granted to Esmail. The family asserts that despite the clear obligation of the Netanyahu government to allow consular visits, daily requests from the US Embassy have been repeatedly denied. This denial raises questions about the treatment of dual citizens and the responsibilities of governments in ensuring their citizens’ well-being.

The IDF has confirmed Esmail’s detention, stating that she was arrested for “incitement on social media.” However, they have not responded to the serious allegations of mistreatment put forth by her family. On the other hand, the US State Department spokesperson, Matt Miller, refrained from commenting on the specific claims made by the family, citing privacy laws.

According to Esmail’s family, her detention stems from Facebook posts and political cartoons she shared a decade ago. The family vehemently argues that while her opinions may not align with those favored in Israel, they were protected speech and cannot be considered incitement to violence by any rational person.

It is important to note that Esmail has not been formally charged with any crime, further raising concerns about the legality and fairness of her detention. The family shared that she was presented before a military commission on Monday and was granted bail. However, their hopes were dashed when the IDF appealed the ruling, prolonging her time in custody.

In light of these distressing events, Esmail’s family is urging the United States to take more decisive action in obtaining consular access for her. They believe that the US possesses the necessary tools to intervene and bring an end to her ordeal, but it requires moral courage, which they feel has been lacking thus far.

The case of Samaher Esmail highlights the challenges faced by individuals with dual citizenship and the importance of consular access in ensuring their rights and well-being. It also raises questions about freedom of speech and the boundaries of expression in different countries. As this story unfolds, it is crucial to keep a close eye on the actions taken by both the US and Israeli governments to address these serious allegations and protect the rights of their citizens.

Read more on Samaher Esmail’s detainment.