Sixty Palestinian detainees return to Gaza, describe harsh treatment in Israeli custody

Sixty Palestinians detained by Israel returned to Gaza on Monday, arriving at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis in frail condition, with several requiring assistance to walk. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) transported the men to the hospital, where they underwent medical examinations while family members and healthcare workers awaited their arrival.

The release marks the largest transfer of Palestinian detainees since the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire began in October. According to the Israeli human rights organization HaMoked, the men were among approximately 1,300 Gazans held by Israel under its "unlawful combatants" designation. Israeli authorities said they were released after interrogations concluded they no longer posed security concerns.

Accounts From the Released Detainees

According to reports from Al Jazeera, many of the released men had worked as laborers in Israeli-controlled areas before October 7, 2023. The report noted that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains severe, making recovery more difficult due to shortages of food, shelter, and medical resources.

Several former detainees shared their experiences with the Turkish news agency Anadolu. One man said he was detained in central Gaza in December 2024 and remained in custody for more than 18 months. He alleged that he and another detainee were shot during detention and described prison conditions as extremely harsh.

Another former detainee claimed prisoners were forced to sit on bare concrete or metal surfaces for extended periods and said he suffered injuries after being beaten by guards. He added that both young and elderly detainees were allegedly subjected to similar treatment.

A third man said he had been detained for nearly two years and only learned of his release when Red Cross personnel arrived to transfer him. He expressed concern for those still in custody and urged international organizations to intervene.

Broader Allegations Over Detention Conditions

According to the report, the released men had been held at several Israeli detention facilities, including Ofer, Negev, and Sde Teiman. Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations have previously documented allegations involving physical abuse, inadequate medical care, food deprivation, prolonged restraint, and deaths in custody at some of these facilities.

Human rights groups estimate that approximately 9,600 Palestinians are currently being held by Israel, including minors. A recent United Nations Commission of Inquiry reported allegations that some Palestinian children detained by Israeli authorities experienced torture, sexual abuse, and other forms of mistreatment.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has stated that it has not been granted access to Palestinian detainees held by Israel since October 2023. The organization continues to call for access to detention facilities in order to verify detainees' conditions and monitor their treatment.

Israel's Position

Israeli authorities said the detainees were released after security interrogations determined they no longer represented a threat. The official statements accompanying the releases did not directly address the specific allegations of abuse described by the former detainees.

Need for Independent Verification

The allegations described by the released detainees have been reported by Anadolu and Al Jazeera. Given the seriousness of the claims, independent verification by international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross or United Nations investigators would be important in establishing the full facts surrounding detention conditions and the treatment of those held in custody.