Tens of Palestinian males and youths, detained without charge in recent weeks during cleaning operations in the northern Gaza Strip, are among the hundreds of individuals. Many of these detainees were identified by their families and employers as civilians, following the circulation of mass arrest images on social media.
Interviewed by CNN at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the central Gaza Strip, Abu Ras was among six boys and four men, treated for injuries and dehydration. Their swollen hands and beaten wrist joints, as a result of being handcuffed during their detention, were evident. Their hands were marked by Israeli soldiers with red markers and numbered. They alleged lack of food and water during incarceration and described alleged mistreatment and humiliation. A doctor at the hospital confirmed their arrival "physically and mentally exhausted."
Mahmoud Zendah, 14, explained his experiences of being bound hand and foot, dragged around like a dog, and having injuries from plastic handcuffs. An Israeli soldier reportedly hit him in the face. "I hadn't done anything," he insisted. "He just decided to come and kick me." The fear-stricken 14-year-old, Ahmad Nimer Salman Abu Ras, had initially been too scared to describe his detention.
Palestinians detained in the Al-Aqsa Märtyrer-Krankenhaus in the central Gaza-city of Deir al-Balah were arrested when the Israeli army invaded Zaytoun in Gaza City.
"Suddenly, we heard people screaming, soldiers shouting, bulldozers demolishing houses," said Zandah's father Nader. "The soldiers opened the doors of the houses and separated men and women, made us remove our pants, and made us put our shirts over our heads, then made us lean against the wall.... Then they lined us up in front of the house and blindfolded us."
Transported on trucks from one location to another, they were placed on the ground, forced to sit on their heads, and questioned about their beliefs. "Are you Hamas?" they were asked, followed by beatings. When they tried to sleep, they reported difficulty due to the cold weather. When they asked for clothing or blankets, they were beaten.
Mohammad Odeh, 16, shared his experience, while Mahmood Esleem, a 40-year-old diabetic with a weakened condition upon arrival at the hospital, was denied insulin while in custody. His son Mohammad, who was also detained with him, explained.
The following day, Esleem's health appeared to worsen - he struggled to stand, complained of foot pain, and, according to a cousin, was only intermittently responsive.
Israeli forces, claiming to be conducting a military operation in the northern Gazastrip, arrest those suspected of "terrorist activities" and interrogate them. "Those not involved in terrorist activities are released."
In response to CNN, the IDF stated the detainees are treated as per international law. "The IDF is committed to treating each prisoner with dignity. Any incident not complying with the guidelines is investigated."
An IDF representative refused to comment on specific mistreatment allegations or provide an explanation for the arrests of the ten young boys and men interviewed by CNN, despite providing a list of their names and captivity locations.
The IDF further defended their practice of undressing detainees to ensure they weren't hiding explosives vests or other weapons.
Human Rights Watch described the publicity of the photos and widespread dissemination on the internet, following their reporting in Israeli media.
Omar Shakir, Director of Israel and Palestinian Affairs at Human Rights Watch, said, "Regardless of whether civilians or combatants are arrested, the law protects prisoners from degrading and humiliating treatment and attacks on their personal dignity."
Meanwhile, the US State Department confirmed that Israeli authorities had informed their US counterparts that photos should not be taken or published during body searches.
Shakir mentioned that under international law, civilians can be detained during armed conflict but only if absolutely necessary. Israel had previously violated these laws, he added.
Image sources:
