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Israeli Forces Detain and Allegedly Abuse Palestinian Civilians in Gaza

By Jeremy Diamond, Mohammad Al Sawalhi, and Abeer Salman, CNN

Introduction

Nimer Abu Ras, a Palestinian man, is among the many civilians who have recently experienced detainment and alleged abuse at the hands of Israeli forces in northern Gaza. These incidents have sparked outrage and raised concerns about human rights violations in the region.

The Detention and Treatment

Abu Ras, along with six boys and four men, spoke to CNN while receiving medical treatment at Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza. They shared their harrowing experiences of being detained for five days, during which they were subjected to physical and psychological abuse.

During their detention, the Palestinian detainees were handcuffed, stripped, blindfolded, and given minimal food and water. Their hands were numbered with red markers by Israeli soldiers. The detainees suffered from swollen hands and bruised wrists due to the prolonged handcuffing. They also described instances of alleged abuse, including beatings and humiliation.

One of the boys, 14-year-old Mahmoud Zendah, recounted how an Israeli soldier kicked him in the face without any provocation. He vehemently denied any involvement with Hamas or the resistance and expressed his innocence as a child attending school and living a normal life.

Another 14-year-old, Ahmad Nimer Salman Abu Ras, initially hesitated to share his experience out of fear for his safety and the safety of his family.

The Detention Process

The detainees were apprehended as Israeli forces conducted clearing operations in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood of Gaza City. The soldiers forcefully entered houses, separated men from women, and subjected the detainees to strip searches. They were then loaded onto trucks and transported to different locations.

The detainees reported further mistreatment during transportation, including soldiers placing their feet on their heads and asking if they were affiliated with Hamas. They also mentioned being denied proper clothing, resulting in extreme cold during the detention period.

The Physical and Psychological Toll

Upon their arrival at Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, the detainees were physically and psychologically exhausted. The medical staff observed signs of torture, beatings, and injuries on their bodies. Mahmood Esleem, a 40-year-old diabetic, experienced a deterioration in his health during detention, compounded by the denial of insulin.

Dr. Khalil Al Daqran, the hospital spokesperson, highlighted the urgent need for medical treatment and expressed concerns about the detainees’ well-being.

Israeli Military Response

The Israeli military justified the detentions, stating that they were targeting individuals suspected of terrorist activity in combat areas. They emphasized that detainees who were found not to be involved in terrorism were released. However, they did not address the specific allegations of abuse raised by the interviewed detainees.

The IDF defended their practice of strip searching detainees, claiming it was necessary to ensure they were not concealing explosive vests or weapons.

International Law and Human Rights Violations

Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the mistreatment of detainees and the circulation of photos depicting their abuse. They argue that regardless of whether detainees are civilians or combatants, international law protects them from degrading and humiliating treatment.

Omar Shakir, Human Rights Watch’s Israel and Palestine Director, emphasized that detentions should only occur when absolutely necessary for security reasons. He accused Israel of violating these laws in the past.

US Response and Future Actions

Following the international outcry, Israeli officials assured the US government that detainees would be promptly given back their clothes after strip searches. They also expressed regret over the taking and release of the controversial photos.

As the situation unfolds, concerns persist about the treatment of Palestinian civilians and the need for accountability and respect for human rights.

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