Sixty Palestinians Detained by Israel Return to Gaza, Describe Horrific Abuses
A significant number of Palestinian detainees held by Israel have returned to the Gaza Strip, where they were met with a mix of emotions. The 60 men, some in wheelchairs and frail due to prolonged detention, describe experiences that are characteristic of their time spent under Israeli control.
The freed individuals arrived at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis on Monday, bringing news of their ordeal to relatives and medical teams who had gathered outside the hospital. Many were described as being unable to walk or show any signs of physical harm, indicating a severe impact on their health due to prolonged detention.
According to sources close to the situation, conditions inside Israeli prisons have been particularly harsh for Palestinians held in Ofer, Negev, and Sde Teiman facilities. Rights groups such as HaMoked have documented instances of torture, including beatings with rifle butts, medical neglect, deprivation of food, prolonged restraint, and even deaths.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been instrumental in facilitating the release of these detainees, bringing them to Nasser Medical Complex for examination. The ICRC’s efforts are part of a larger effort by international bodies to locate Palestinian prisoners held under Israeli control since October 2023.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Abdullah Kilani described his experience as one of those detained in December 2024 on Salah al-Din Street in central Gaza. He stated that conditions were extremely harsh and that he was shot during a prolonged detention period. “The conditions were extremely harsh,” he said. “I still can’t believe I’m free.”
Abu Ibrahim, another detainee who arrived at the hospital, corroborated Kilani’s account, describing being kept seated on bare concrete or iron slabs and suffering injuries from guards’ beatings with rifle butts.
Mohammed Jabr al-Majdalawi, 43, was held for a year and nine months before his release. He described feeling isolated and traumatized during his detention period, stating that he learned of his release only through contact with Red Cross staff upon arrival at the hospital.
The ICRC’s repeated calls to locate Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody have been met with limited success so far. Rights groups argue that it is essential for international bodies to take action to address these human rights abuses and ensure that those held under Israeli control are treated with dignity and respect.
As news of the detainees’ release spreads, concerns about their well-being and safety grow. The ICRC’s efforts highlight the need for sustained pressure on Israel to improve conditions in Palestinian detention centers and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The situation remains complex, but it is clear that the return of these 60 Palestinians to Gaza marks a significant step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
Based on reporting from Al Jazeera.
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