Dozens of Palestinians Return to Gaza, Allege Harsh Detention Conditions
Sixty Palestinian individuals, previously held in Israeli detention, have been repatriated to Gaza, arriving at a medical facility in Khan Younis. Many of the returnees exhibited signs of physical distress, including frailty and injuries, with some requiring wheelchairs upon their arrival. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated their transfer to Nasser Medical Complex, where they were met by medical personnel and relatives.
This group represents the largest release of detainees since a ceasefire in the region took effect in October. These individuals are among an estimated 1,300 people from Gaza who have been classified by Israel as “unlawful combatants,” according to the Israeli human rights organization HaMoked. Israeli authorities stated that the release occurred after interrogations concluded that these individuals were no longer considered security threats.
Accounts of Detention and Physical Condition
Reports from Gaza indicate that many of the released detainees were laborers working in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory prior to October 7, 2023. The economic and humanitarian situation in Gaza, exacerbated by the ongoing blockade, presents significant challenges for their recovery, including access to food and shelter.
Abdullah Kilani, one of the released individuals, recounted his apprehension in December 2024 on Salah al-Din Street in central Gaza. He described being held for over 18 months, during which he and another detainee reportedly sustained gunshot wounds. Kilani characterized the detention conditions as “extremely harsh,” expressing disbelief at his newfound freedom.
Another former detainee, identified as Abu Ibrahim, alleged that prisoners were forced to sit on bare concrete or iron slabs. He claimed that he was injured after being beaten with rifle butts by guards, emphasizing that “there was no distinction between young men and the elderly” in the treatment received. Mohammed Jabr al-Majdalawi, 43, shared that he was held for a year and nine months and only became aware of his impending release when he met with Red Cross staff for the transfer. He conveyed the profound suffering experienced, stating, “Words cannot describe what we went through.” Al-Majdalawi also voiced concerns for those remaining in detention, urging international organizations to intervene.
Allegations of Systemic Abuse and International Concerns
The former detainees were reportedly held in various Israeli prisons, including Ofer, Negev, and Sde Teiman. Human rights organizations contend that these facilities are part of a system that subjects Palestinians to arbitrary abuse, which they describe as a systematic policy of torture. Both Palestinian and Israeli rights groups have documented numerous instances of alleged beatings, medical neglect, food deprivation, prolonged restraint, and deaths in custody.
Currently, approximately 9,600 Palestinians, including children, are held by Israel. A United Nations commission of inquiry reported last month that Palestinian children arrested by Israel have been subjected to torture, sexual abuse, and other forms of mistreatment.
The ICRC has indicated that it has been unable to access Palestinians in Israeli detention since October 2023. The organization has reiterated its demand for access to these detainees to ascertain their whereabouts and inspect their conditions of imprisonment, in line with its mandate to ensure humanitarian treatment for all individuals deprived of their liberty.
The testimonies of the recently released Palestinians underscore ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of detainees and call for increased international scrutiny and intervention to ensure adherence to humanitarian laws and principles.
Source: Original Article
