Palestinians recount ‘torture’ in Israeli army custody

In a press conference held on Sunday, two Palestinians, has recently been released from Israeli army custody in the Gaza Strip, claimed to have endured torture during their detention. The accusations come amid Israel’s ongoing ground offensive in the besieged Hamas-run territory, where hundreds have been detained over alleged ties to the armed group Hamas.

Marwan al-Hams, director of Rafah’s Al-Najjar hospital, disclosed that approximately 20 released Palestinians exhibited signs of physical abuse, including bruises and marks. The detainees were reportedly admitted to the hospital upon their release.

The Israeli military has vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that detainees are treated in accordance with international law. In a statement to AFP, the army maintained that suspects receive sufficient food and water and are treated according to protocol during their detention.

One of the released detainees, Nayef Ali, 22, recounted his experience, stating that he was initially detained in Gaza City’s Zaitun suburb before being transferred to an Israeli detention facility. Ali displayed cuts on his wrists and other parts of his body, claiming that Israeli troops bound their hands behind their backs for two days, depriving them of food, water, and restroom access.

Khamis al-Bardini, 55, another former detainee, alleged further mistreatment by Israeli soldiers, describing instances of cold water being poured on detainees’ heads throughout the night, coupled with beatings during the day.

The Israeli army has faced international criticism in recent weeks, particularly after the circulation of viral footage depicting detainees stripped down to their underwear, blindfolded, and with their hands tied behind their backs. The military has acknowledged investigating the deaths of individuals labeled as “terrorists in military detention centers,” following reports from Israeli media indicating several deaths in custody.