Hungry, thirsty and humiliated: Israel’s mass arrest campaign sows fear in northern Gaza

The mass arrests are part of Israel’s ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, aiming to consolidate control in evacuated areas in the north and collect intelligence on Hamas operations. This follows a deadly attack by militants on southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and abducted over 240.

Detainees report being bound, blindfolded, and subjected to hunger and cold. Many were forced to strip to their underwear and held in a detention camp on the beach. Allegations of mistreatment include being treated like cattle, enduring sexually explicit insults, and physical beatings.

Images of Palestinian men bound and kneeling have sparked outrage on social media. The U.S. State Department expressed deep disturbance over these images and is seeking more information. Human rights groups are calling for an investigation into these mass arrests.

The Israeli military stated that detainees were treated according to protocol, provided with enough food and water, and questioned. They assured that in cases where detainees were not allowed to dress after questioning, measures would be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Many released detainees report returning home to find significant destruction and loss. They describe harrowing journeys back home, often without clothes, phones, or IDs, and in some cases, encountering violence or losing family members on their way back.

It is estimated that at least 900 Palestinians have been detained. Most detainees from Gaza are believed to be held at the Zikim military base just north of the enclave.

Israeli officials maintain a stance of suspicion towards Palestinians in northern Gaza, especially in areas known as Hamas strongholds. They emphasize the necessity of distinguishing between Hamas militants and civilians, asserting the ongoing military campaign will continue to target these strongholds.