Recent pictures of Palestinian males in Gaza being apprehended by the military and undressed down to their underwear have raised concerns about Israel's detention practices inside the enclave as well as queries about potential human rights abuses or cruel treatment.
Numerous images and videos of semi-naked Palestinian men being detained have surfaced online in recent days. Some images depict groups being marched while their hands are restrained, some show accused fighters giving over weapons, while yet others show the captives being made to sit or kneel in the open while wearing blindfolds.
Controversy Over Gaza Arrest Procedures
The leaked videos and pictures show Palestinian men in Gaza being stripped to their underwear and arrested. The Israeli military claims that they have arrested hundreds, with Hamas members surrendering in high numbers in an effort to crush the terror group.
However, many of the arrested men were later released, indicating that Israeli soldiers may be operating under a guideline of arrest first and question later. Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel's national security adviser, confirmed that suspects need to be searched to ensure they are not carrying weapons or explosives but that pictures of them in their underwear "serve nobody" and that he expected the distribution by Israel of such photos to cease.
According to Israel's Channel 12 news, some 700 people have been detained, with 60% of them deemed to not be terrorists. Haaretz, citing the assessment of senior defense officials, reported that only 10% to 15% of the arrested men are thought to be affiliated with Hamas.
The IDF claims that individuals suspected of involvement in "terrorist activity" are detained and questioned, but individuals found not to be taking part in terrorist activities are released and treated according to international law.
Under the Geneva Conventions, it is unlawful to expose prisoners of war to "public curiosity" to preserve their dignity and protect them from public identification and retribution, according to The Times of Israel.
Intensified Israeli Offensive in Gaza
The conflict has also led to the circulation of unverified footage of stripped and bound "terror suspects" lined up next to heavily armed IDF soldiers and tanks. Hamas has warned that not a single hostage will leave Gaza alive until their demands are met.
The IDF claims to have struck 22,000 Hamas targets in Gaza since the start of the war and 3,500 since the end of their temporary truce with the terror group. Israeli tanks have today battled their way into the heart of Khan Younis in a major new push.
The Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza say Israel has killed over 17,700 people in its relentless bombardment and offensive campaign, including more than 7,000 children.
As the conflict rages in Gaza and concerns mount over human rights violations and atrocities, Palestine by Joe Sacco provides an essential and invaluable insight into the daily lives of Palestinians and the ongoing conflict. Its reprinting and newfound popularity are a testament to the importance of storytelling in creating awareness and understanding, The Sun reported.
