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1 | Sonic Violence: How Israel Uses Sound as a Weapon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 | Audio journalist Ahmed Ashour developed the research and concept for this visual during Visualizing Palestine’s Data Storytelling in Practice workshop, offered through the Practitioner-in-Residence program at New York University’s Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies in Spring 2026. After the workshop, we partnered with Ahmed to finalize the visual for publication as part of VP's collection. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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4 | STATEMENT | DESCRIPTION/EXCERPT | SOURCE | PUBLISHED | SOURCE URL | LAST ACCESSED | ||||||||||||||||||||
5 | Sonic warfare (concept) | Term coined by Steve Goodman. Describes the deployment of sound by militaries where "the objective was to weaken the morale of a civilian population by creating a climate of fear through a threat that was preferably nonlethal yet possibly as unsettling as an actual attack. Fear induced purely by sound effects, or at least in the undecidability between an actual or sonic attack, is a virtualized fear...And yet the sonically induced fear is no less real..." | Goodman, S. Sonic Warfare: Sound, Affect, and the Ecology of Fear. The MIT Press. | 2010 | https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262517959/sonic-warfare/ | April 29, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
6 | The Israeli military uses acoustic weapons to impose an atmosphere of fear and dread, inflicting physical and psychological damage on communities in Palestine and Lebanon. | Goodman's book opens with a description of the Israeli military's use of sonic booms in Gaza, used as an example of "environments, or ecologies, in which sound contributes to an immersive atmosphere or ambience of fear and dread." | Goodman, S. Sonic Warfare: Sound, Affect, and the Ecology of Fear. The MIT Press. | 2010 | https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262517959/sonic-warfare/ | April 30, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
7 | "On multiple occasions in recent weeks, Israeli fighter jets have shattered the skies above Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and other parts of Lebanon with sonic booms, exploding windows and terrifying residents. Flying low over populated areas, the sonic shock waves seem designed to exacerbate the collective trauma of a nation still reeling from past wounds. The explosive reverberations are making the conflict felt in areas of Lebanon that had been relatively insulated from the months of bombings and widespread destruction in southern Lebanon." | ANERA | 2024 | https://www.anera.org/blog/sonic-booms-lebanon/ | September 10, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
8 | "Low-frequency noise ranging from 150 to 155 dB can cause chest wall vibration, slight nausea, and dizziness. At 154–171 dB, it can lead to increased heart rate, flushing of the skin, swallowing pain, visual impairment, subcostal discomfort, coughing, sternum compression, and breathing difficulties.33 When mid-frequency noise reaches 120 dB, it can resonate with the nasal cavity or sinus and enhance their tactile sensation. At ≥142 dB, it can stimulate the vestibular system, and at 165 dB, it can cause itching.34 For high-frequency noise, TTS or PTS can be caused by SPL ranging from 80 to 120 dB, tactile sensations or itchiness can occur at 120 dB, vestibular reactions can be induced at 125 dB, balance disorders can be caused at 140 dB, and thermal effects can be generated at 160 dB.33 The combination of sound intensity and exposure time determine the level of damage, for example 135 dB for 7 min, 140 dB for 40 s, 145 dB for 4 s, 150 dB for 0.4 s, and 160 dB can cause perforation of the eardrum." | Li, Y., Yang, G., Zhao, Y., & Li, B. "Injury of sonic weapons to human body: A narrative review. Chinese Journal of Traumatology, 29(1)." | 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cjtee.2024.10.009 | April 30, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
9 | 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza sustained hearing damage due to explosions from 2023–2025. | "According to a survey by a local non-profit organization, 35,000 children and adults have partially or completely lost their hearing" in Gaza. | Sader, M. J. In Gaza, the war is creating a new generation of deaf children. Le Monde. | January 7, 2026 | https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/01/08/in-gaza-the-war-is-creating-a-new-generation-of-deaf-children_6749191_4.html | April 30, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
10 | Chart | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
11 | x-axis: loudness (dB) | How loud and powerful the sound is, measured in decibels | BBC. "Sound waves." BBC Bitesize. | March 1, 2023 | https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z38m7yc#zhfhtrd | April 30, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
12 | y-axis: frequency (Hz) | The pitch of the sound emitted by the weapon, measured in hertz | BBC. "Sound waves." BBC Bitesize. | March 1, 2023 | https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z38m7yc#zhfhtrd | April 30, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
13 | 85 dB: Threshold of harm - damage with prolonged exposure | This threshold is based on CDC standards for hazardous levels of environmental and occupational noise, defined as noise exposure of 85 dBA over a period of eight hours. | Centers for Disease Control. "Understand Noise Exposure." | January 31, 2024 | https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/prevent/understand.html | September 10, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
14 | "As bombs were being dropped on average of one every 10 minutes in Gaza Strip (a very small area of 360 square km), noise pollution was very high during the study period of two months. Noise pollution from continuous drone and jet flights, rockets, bombardment from tanks and ships, and other military activities was noted to result in more than double the allowable limit (and the allowable limit is for short periods not for months as in this case)." | Qumsiyeh, Mazen. "Impact of the Israeli military activities on the environment." International Journal of Environmental Studies. | March 7, 2024 | https://www.palestinenature.org/research/Impact-of-the-Israeli-military-activities-on-the-environment--1-.pdf | September 10, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
15 | 120 db: Threshold of pain - immediate, irreversible damage | "The threshold of pain is the SPL beyond which sound becomes unbearable for a human listener. This threshold varies only slightly with frequency. Prolonged exposure to sound pressure levels in excess of the threshold of pain can cause physical damage, potentially leading to hearing impairment." | Acoustics. LibreTexts. | n.d. | https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Waves_and_Acoustics/Acoustics/04%3A_Applications_in_Psychoacoustics/4.02%3A_New_Page | September 10, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
16 | Threshold contours | Thresholds of audibility, harm, and pain are frequency dependent, as represented by the Fletcher-Munson equal-loudness contours | Acoustics. LibreTexts. | n.d. | https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Waves_and_Acoustics/Acoustics/04%3A_Applications_in_Psychoacoustics/4.02%3A_New_Page | September 10, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
17 | Sonic Booms | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
18 | Frequency: 0.1 Hz - 100 Hz | "The energy range of sonic boom is concentrated in the 0.1 - 100 hertz frequency range that is considerably below that of subsonic aircraft, gunfire and most industrial noise." | Sonic boom. Air Force. | n.d. | https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104540/sonic-boom/ | April 30, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
19 | Loudness: 110 dB | "Sonic booms generate enormous amounts of sound energy, about 110 decibels, like the sound of an explosion or a thunderclap." | NASA. "Taming the BOOM" | 2022 | https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/armstrong/taming-the-boom/ | April 30, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
20 | The explosive, thunderous sound of low-flying jets traveling faster than the speed of sound. Used by Israeli forces in Gaza since 2005 to ensure “nobody will sleep at night.” | "A sonic boom is the high-volume, deep-frequency effect of low-flying jets traveling faster than the speed of sound. Its victims likened its effect to the wall of air pressure generated by a massive explosion." | Goodman, S. Sonic Warfare: Sound, Affect, and the Ecology of Fear. The MIT Press. | 2010 | https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262517959/sonic-warfare/ | April 29, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
21 | "The sole purpose of these sorties is to prevent the residents from sleeping and to create an ongoing sense of fear and anxiety. Regarding the sonic booms, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that, 'thousands of residents in southern Israel live in fear and discomfort, so I gave instructions that nobody will sleep at night in the meantime in Gaza.'" | B'tselem. "The Sonic booms in the sky over Gaza." | January 1, 2016 | https://www.btselem.org/gaza_strip/supersonic_booms | September 10, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
22 | Effects: panic attacks, sleeplessness, hypertension, headaches, stomach aches, ear pain, nosebleeds, shattered windows | People exposed to sonic booms "reported broken windows, ear pain, nosebleeds, anxiety attacks, sleeplessness, hypertension, and being left “shaking inside.” | Goodman, S. Sonic Warfare: Sound, Affect, and the Ecology of Fear. The MIT Press. | 2010 | https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262517959/sonic-warfare/ | April 30, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
23 | Drones "Zananas" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
24 | Frequency: 2 KHz - 4KHz | Different drone models and sizes emit different noise signatures. For the purposes of this visual, we referenced a study of high frequency sounds emitted by commercial drones. "The high frequency noise content of UAVs can be observed in Figure 2. As seen in this figure, both UAVs (i.e., DJI M200 and Yuneec Typhoon) radiate significant high frequency noise (especially between 2 kHz and 4 kHz)." Frequencies emitted by military drones may differ. | Torija, A. J., & Clark, C. "A Psychoacoustic Approach to Building Knowledge about Human Response to Noise of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles." International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(2), 682. | 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020682 | April 30, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
25 | Loudness: ~55 dB | "UAVs are expected to be quieter than conventional aircraft. In a recent study carried out by Read et al., the A-weighted maximum noise level normalized to a distance of 400 ft (LA,max at 400 ft) for four small- to medium-size UAVs ranges from 50.1 dB(A) to 64.1 dB(A) (mean = 55.1 dB(A)." | Torija, A. J., & Clark, C. "A Psychoacoustic Approach to Building Knowledge about Human Response to Noise of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles." International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(2), 682. | 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020682 | April 30, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
26 | The incessant, buzzing sound of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) used by Israeli forces for surveillance, targeted strikes, and psychological operations. Israel deployed an early model during its invasion of Lebanon in 1982. Palestinians call them “zananas,” or noisemakers. | "The buzzing of Israeli drones is unmistakable. It has been a continuous companion for us in Gaza for many years as Israel developed its drone technology using us as test subjects...For 15 months, the buzzing sound never stopped – day or night. It would embed itself into the heads of the people of Gaza, both young and old, and torment them. It would devour our sanity and our optimism that the war would ever cease." | Zahraa, A. "I dream of a quiet, drone-free Gaza." Al Jazeera. | 2025 | https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/1/21/i-dream-of-a-quiet-drone-free-gaza | April 30, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
27 | "The Israel Defense Forces' drone fleet has operated around the clock over Gaza and Lebanon in the current war." | Benjacob, O. "'Server in the Sky': How Israeli Drones Became a 'Target and Intel Generator' Over Gaza." Haaretz. | 2026 | https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2026-06-05/ty-article-magazine/.premium/server-in-the-sky-how-israeli-drones-became-a-target-generator-over-gaza/0000019e-8d52-d0a9-a7df-bddad0930000 | September 10, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
28 | "Medical imaging and forensic analysis of deaths and injuries treated by co-author Dr. Syed and her colleagues in Gaza between August and September 2024 suggest a pattern of highly precise and troubling applications of lethal force utilizing small tactical “sniper” drones against children." | Syed, M. "Lethal Precision Without Accountability: Israeli Government "Quadcopter" Use in Gaza." Brown University Costs of War Project | 2026 | https://costsofwar.watson.brown.edu/paper/Quadcopter | September 10, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
29 | "One of Israel’s first drones was called Zahavan 'Scout' and was used in the 1982 Lebanon War. At 22 kg, it could fly for several hours and its camera weighed 25 kg." | Frantzman, S. J. "How Israel Became a Leader in Drone Technology." Jerusalem Post. | 2019 | https://www.meforum.org/how-israel-became-a-leader-in-drone-technology | September 10, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
30 | Effects: sleeplessness, psychological distress, accelerated heart rate, high blood pressure, post-traumatic stress disorder | "Those who live under drones–and particularly interviewees who survived or witnessed strikes–described common symptoms of anticipatory anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Interviewees described emotional breakdowns, running indoors or hiding when drones appear above,491 fainting,492 nightmares and other intrusive thoughts, hyper startled reactions to loud noises, outbursts of anger or irritability,495 and loss of appetite and other physical symptoms. Interviewees also reported suffering from insomnia and other sleep disturbances." | International Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Clinic, Stanford University and Global Justice Clinic at New York University School of Law. "Living Under Drones: Death, Injury, and Trauma to Civilians From US Drone Practices in Pakistan." | 2012 | https://law.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Stanford-NYU-LIVING-UNDER-DRONES.pdf | September 10, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
31 | "The Scream" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
32 | Frequency: 2.5 KHz - 4KHz | "The LRAD emits a high-frequency (1–2.5 kHz36 or 2–4 kHz29) directional sound beam at an angle of 150° to 300°." | Li, Y., Yang, G., Zhao, Y., & Li, B. "Injury of sonic weapons to human body: A narrative review. Chinese Journal of Traumatology, 29(1)." | 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cjtee.2024.10.009 | April 30, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
33 | "The frequency of the sound is 2500 to 3000 Hz, but it can be controlled and changed, just as the intensity can be controlled." | Siegel-Itzkovich, J. "Israel Police noise cannon used at protests can harm health - doctors." Jerusalem Post. | 2023 | https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-736375 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
34 | Loudness: ~135-150 dB | "The technology, popularly known as The Scream, acts as a loudspeaker and creates a powerful sound of 135 to 150 decibels." | Breiner, J. "Israel Police to continue using sound cannon for crowd control despite concerns by medical experts." Haaretz. | May 23, 2023 | https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-05-23/ty-article/.premium/israel-police-to-use-sound-cannon-for-crowd-control-despite-concerns-by-medical-experts/00000188-479c-de00-a588-ff9e96240000 | April 30, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
35 | The piercing, pulsing blast of a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), also called a sound cannon, deployed at close range. First used by Israeli forces to disperse Palestinian protesters in the West Bank in 2005. | "Two weeks ago, the Israeli Army used a new non-lethal weapon to disperse a crowd of hundreds of Palestinians who were demonstrating against Israel's security barrier. The army calls the weapon the Scream. The device emits bursts of sound that cause an overwhelming sense of dizziness and nausea. According to a spokeswoman for the Israeli Army, soldiers used the Scream after Palestinians began throwing rocks at the soldiers." | NPR. "For a Non-Lethal Weapon, Israel Uses Sound." | 2005 | https://www.npr.org/transcripts/4701588 | September 10, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
36 | "Israeli Police Used Sound Cannon Against Anti-overhaul Protesters, Violating Regulations" | Haaretz. "Israeli Police Used Sound Cannon Against Anti-overhaul Protesters, Violating Regulations." | 2023 | https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-07-13/ty-article/.premium/israeli-police-used-sound-cannon-against-anti-overhaul-protesters-violating-regulations/00000189-4b61-d085-a1bf-cbe92f3d0000 | September 10, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
37 | Effects: hearing loss, tinnitus (chronic ringing in the ears), dizziness, nausea | Li, Y., Yang, G., Zhao, Y., & Li, B. "Injury of sonic weapons to human body: A narrative review. Chinese Journal of Traumatology, 29(1)." | 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cjtee.2024.10.009 | April 30, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
38 | "People who are exposed to this measure at close range suffer from severe, irreversible damage to their hearing and also experience symptoms of tinnitus (chronic ringing in the ears), sensitivity to noise, headaches and nausea." | Siegel-Itzkovich, J. "Israel Police noise cannon used at protests can harm health - doctors." Jerusalem Post. | 2023 | https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-736375 | September 10, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
39 | "The device emits bursts of sound that cause an overwhelming sense of dizziness and nausea." | NPR. "For a Non-Lethal Weapon, Israel Uses Sound." | 2005 | https://www.npr.org/transcripts/4701588 | September 10, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
40 | A doctor with the Israeli Association of Public Health Physicians warned: "At maximum strength, the 'Scream' can cause serious health problems to distant innocent bystanders, even when used according to existing rules. Apart from hearing loss, it can harm fetuses and cause miscarriages.” | Breiner, J. "Israel Police to continue using sound cannon for crowd control despite concerns by medical experts." Haaretz. | May 23, 2023 | https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-05-23/ty-article/.premium/israel-police-to-use-sound-cannon-for-crowd-control-despite-concerns-by-medical-experts/00000188-479c-de00-a588-ff9e96240000 | April 30, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
41 | Bombs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
42 | Frequency: 3–200 Hz | We could not find data on the frequency generated by bombs dropped on Gaza or Lebanon, but based our estimate on a study of airblast waves generated by explosions used in tunnel construction. "It shows that airblast bandwidths are typically in the range of 3–200 Hz, with noise levels exceeding 130 dB, which is comparable to jet engines and rocket launch." | Xianshun Zhou, Xuemin Zhang, Jianbo Fei, Lichuan Wang, Muhammad Irslan Khalid, Xiangsheng Chen. "Airblast waves and noises induced by tunnel delay blasting: Field measurement and tempo-spatial analysis." Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Volume 18, Issue 2, pages 1290-1305 | 2026 | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674775525001222 | September 10, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
43 | Loudness: 140–180 dB (*Loudness varies based on distance from blast and location of detonation (air, surface, underground). | Many variables can influence the volume of explosions. We could not identify precise data on the volume of bomb explosions in Gaza or Lebanon. Our estimate is based on multiple sources. A study of airblasts noise levels generated by explosives used in tunnel construction found that "noise levels exceeding 130 dB, which is comparable to jet engines and rocket launch" were typical. Another study refers to 140 dB SPL as "the threshold differentiating blasts from impact noise." Finally, a study of blast noise and the auditory system notes that "184 dB SPL is commonly regarded as the TM rupture threshold, or the minimum level needed to produce any TM rupture, in humans," with TM referring to rupture of membranes in the ear. Such ruptures have been widely documented in Gaza, suggesting that blast noise can reach or exceed 184 dB. | Xianshun Zhou, Xuemin Zhang, Jianbo Fei, Lichuan Wang, Muhammad Irslan Khalid, Xiangsheng Chen. "Airblast waves and noises induced by tunnel delay blasting: Field measurement and tempo-spatial analysis." Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Volume 18, Issue 2, pages 1290-1305 | 2026 | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674775525001222 | September 10, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
44 | Paik CB, Pei M, Oghalai JS. "Review of blast noise and the auditory system." Hear Res. | 2022 | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9357863/ | September 10, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
45 | The cracking, roaring sound of more than 135,000 bombs dropped by Israeli forces on Gaza and Lebanon, sometimes audible 65 kilometers away. | "The Israel Air Force dropped 135,000 bombs collectively on the various fronts during recent years of war, dating back to October 7, 2023, the IDF announced on Friday." | Jerusalem Post. "Israeli Air Force says it dropped 135,000 bombs in recent wars, warns of Syrian military rebuild." | 2026 | https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-894836 | September 10, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
46 | "Israeli air strikes on Gaza on Thursday night could be heard more than 64km away in southern and central Israel. | Middle East Eye. "Explosions heard in Tel Aviv linked to intense Gaza bombardment 64km away." | 2024 | https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/explosions-heard-israel-linked-intense-gaza-bombardment-64km-away | September 10, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
47 | "Residents of central Israel, including the Gush Dan and Shephelah regions, reported hearing loud explosions Friday night and early Saturday. The IDF confirmed no rocket impacts in the area while police attributed the sounds to explosions originating in Gaza, more than 40 miles away." | Zitun, Y. "Gaza explosions rattle central Israel; scientist explains why." YNet News. | https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hknhoabzkg | September 10, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
48 | Effects: ruptured eardrums, hearing loss, sleeplessness, cardiovascular disease, anxiety disorders, complex trauma and PTSD | "We are seeing cases of ruptured eardrums, inner ear trauma, severe tinnitus, dizziness, and both partial and profound hearing loss...In many cases, the damage is permanent, particularly when patients cannot receive immediate medical treatment or rehabilitation." | The New Arab. "Thousands in Gaza suffer hearing damage from Israeli attacks." | 2026 | https://www.newarab.com/news/thousands-gaza-suffer-hearing-damage-israeli-attacks | September 10, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
49 | "According to a survey by a local non-profit organization, 35,000 children and adults have partially or completely lost their hearing" in Gaza. | Sader, M. J. In Gaza, the war is creating a new generation of deaf children. Le Monde. | January 7, 2026 | https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/01/08/in-gaza-the-war-is-creating-a-new-generation-of-deaf-children_6749191_4.html | April 30, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
50 | "Conflicts were associated with a litany of negative health outcomes for civilians, including increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, increased blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as increased alcohol and tobacco use." | Science Daily. "Long-term health effects of armed conflict could last years after bombs stop falling." | 2019 | https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190528193036.htm | September 10, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
51 | Disco Room | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
52 | Loudness: 82 dB | No data was available on the loudness of music torture by Israeli authorities. Our estimate is based on practices by the CIA at Guantanamo Bay detention center. "Declassified CIA documents reveal that approved interrogation tactics, included '24-hours-a-day exposures to sound at 82 dB or lower; at 84 dB for up to 18 hours a day; 90 dB for up to 8 hours, 95 dB for 4 hours, and 100 dB for 2 hours.' Former detainee, Binyam Mohamed, has argued that he was forced to listen to loud music for 20 days." We used 82 dB as a reference point, since Palestinian detainees described multi-day exposures. | Guantanamo Public Memory Project | - | https://gitmomemory.org/timeline/state-of-detention/the-gtmo-playlist-music-interrogation-and-the-public/ | September 10, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
53 | A room used to blast music for days on end, described by Palestinian detainees as one of the most “notorious and painful torture methods” in Israeli detention centers. Often combined with nudity, cold temperatures, and other tactics of sensory overload as well as physical abuse. | "There was an area they called ‘the disco’, where they played loud music nonstop for two days straight. This was one of their most notorious and painful torture methods. They also hung us on walls, sprayed us with cold air and water, and sometimes threw chilli powder on detainees." | The Guardian. "‘Cruellest forms of torture’: freed Palestinians describe horrors of Israeli jail." | 2025 | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/14/freed-palestinians-describe-horrors-of-israeli-jail | September 10, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
54 | "They put cigarettes out in my mouth and on my body. They put clamps on my testicles that were attached to something heavy. It went on like that for a whole day. My testicles swelld up and my left ear bled...they beat me. Then they put me back in the freezing room with the loud disco music, and left me there, naked, for two days." | B'tselem. "Welcome to Hell: The Israeli Prison Svstem as a Network of Torture Camps" | 2024 | https://www.btselem.org/publications/202408_welcome_to_hell | September 10, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
55 | Effects: Hearing damage, sleep deprivation, disorientation, psychiatric episodes, complex trauma | "The CIA realized, through psychological experiments in the 1950s and 60s that you could break down a person's identity and trigger psychosis through sensory deprivation and overload. Recognizing its seriousness, the United Nations (U.N.) and European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) have already outlawed the use of music in this fashion. The U.N. called it torture and the ECHR, cruel and inhuman treatment. However U.S. forces have continued to use this method." | ACLU. "Torture Music Leaves No Marks, But Destroys Minds" | 2009 | https://www.aclu.org/news/national-security/torture-music-leaves-no-marks-destroys-minds | September 10, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
56 | Quotes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
57 | “We dread nightfall…we toss and turn and try to sleep…the sound of bombs won’t allow it.” | Doctors Without Borders. "'We dread nightfall': Voices from Gaza." | 2026 | https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/we-dread-nightfall-stories-gaza | September 10, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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