In the aftermath of a ground operation in the Ez-Zeytun neighborhood to the east of the besieged Gaza Strip on October 27, disturbing accounts of torture have emerged from Palestinians who were detained by Israeli soldiers. The detainees, speaking to Anadolu Agency after their release, describe harrowing experiences, including threats, beatings, electric shocks, and prolonged periods of hanging by their legs.
Cihad Yasin, 43, revealed the terrifying nature of his 11-day detention, detailing electric shocks, severe beatings, and enduring torture while chained. The detainees were blindfolded and transported to unknown locations, where they were kept bound without food for two days. Yasin recounted how soldiers sprayed unknown substances on them, attracting insects, and later left them naked outdoors in the cold.
Mahmud el-Alul, another released detainee, spoke of being given spoiled food during his week of detention. Soldiers reportedly brought three pieces of spoiled bread for each detainee, refusing to untie their hands and feet when they needed to use the restroom. Detainees faced severe beatings for talking among themselves and were forced to sit on their knees with hands tied for extended periods.
Hanan Avde, a forcibly displaced Palestinian from the Ez-Zeytun neighborhood, shared a grim account of the Israeli forces’ sudden attack on homes in the early morning. The soldiers instructed residents to come out one by one, separating women and children from the men. Men were told to undress despite the cold weather, and their belongings were confiscated. Avde highlighted the detention of children, including a 16-year-old who faced threats of death when resisting.
Avde also revealed that Israeli forces forced women and children with white flags to move to the southern Gaza Strip. Blindfolded and taken to the Al-Kuwait intersection near the checkpoint, they faced an uncertain fate as some were randomly selected for interrogation while others were instructed to leave. Avde’s husband was released but suffered health issues due to brutal torture, now hospitalized at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.
These stories of torture, and inhumane treatment shed light on the severe consequences faced by Palestinians in the wake of the Ez-Zeytun neighborhood attacks, raising concerns about human rights violations and the well-being of those affected by the conflict. The international community watches closely as these distressing accounts unfold, urging a thorough investigation into the alleged actions of Israeli forces in Gaza.
