Chemical burns, assaults, electric shocks – Gazans tell BBC of torture in Israeli detention

Warning: This article contains distressing content

Palestinian Detainees Allege Abuse and Torture by Israeli Forces

Released Palestinian detainees returning to Gaza have given harrowing accounts to the BBC, alleging they endured mistreatment and torture at the hands of Israeli military and prison staff. These testimonies augment existing reports of misconduct within Israel’s detention facilities and military compounds. Among the grave allegations, one man recounted being attacked with chemicals and set ablaze, stating he “thrashed around like an animal” to extinguish the flames.

Accounts of Detainee Mistreatment

The BBC conducted extensive interviews with five former detainees, all apprehended in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel. These individuals were detained under Israel’s Unlawful Combatants Law, a measure permitting indefinite detention without formal charges for those deemed security risks. Israel asserted this law was crucial for recovering hostages and dismantling Hamas.

The men claim they faced accusations of Hamas affiliation and were interrogated about hostage locations and tunnels. However, none were found to be involved in the October 7 attacks – a precondition set by Israel for release under the recent ceasefire agreement.

While some released under the deal had prior convictions for serious offenses, including violence against Israelis, this was not the case for the interviewees. Requests to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Prison Service (IPS) for information on convictions or accusations against these men went unanswered.

Detailed Allegations of Abuse

The released detainees provided consistent accounts of severe abuse:

• Each described being forcibly undressed, blindfolded, handcuffed, and subjected to beatings.
• Several reported experiencing electric shocks, intimidation by dogs, and denial of essential medical attention.
• Some claimed to have witnessed the deaths of fellow detainees.
• One individual reported witnessing sexual assault.
• Another recounted having his head submerged in chemicals and his back set on fire.

Corroborating these accounts are reports from a lawyer who visited two of the men in detention and medical personnel who treated some upon their release.

The BBC presented a detailed right of reply letter to the IDF, outlining the men’s allegations and identities.

The IDF, in its statement, did not address specific allegations but “completely rejects accusations of systematic abuse of detainees.”

The IDF stated that some cases raised by the BBC would be “examined by the relevant authorities.” However, they added that others lacked sufficient detail or detainee identification, hindering examination.

The IDF statement continued, emphasizing that it “takes any… actions which contradict its values very seriously… Specific complaints about inappropriate behavior by detention facility staff or insufficient conditions are forwarded for examination by the relevant authorities and are addressed accordingly. Disciplinary actions and criminal investigations are initiated when warranted.”

The IPS claimed unawareness of any abuse claims within its prisons, stating, “[A]s far as we know, no such events have occurred under IPS responsibility.”

Dr. Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne, Co-Director of the Centre for International Law at the University of Bristol, asserted that the described treatment was “entirely inconsistent with both international law and Israeli law,” and in certain instances, would “meet the threshold of torture.”

“International law and the law of armed conflict mandate humane treatment of all detainees,” he stated. “Basic detainee needs remain obligatory, regardless of any alleged wrongdoing.”

Experiences at Sde Teiman Barracks and Ketziot Prison

The five interviewed Palestinians were released earlier in the year as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. They were part of an exchange involving approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees for 33 Israeli hostages. Some Israeli hostages have reported abuse, starvation, and threats by Hamas captors.

Released female hostages previously detailed instances of physical and sexual assault during their captivity.

Israel maintains that forensic evidence indicates some deceased hostages, including children, were killed by Hamas, which the group denies.

All five released Palestinian detainees recounted a similar sequence: arrest in Gaza, transfer to Israel for detention initially in military barracks before prison, and eventual release back to Gaza months later.

They reported consistent abuse throughout this entire process.

Numerous other released detainees, interviewed briefly upon arrival in Gaza, also reported beatings, hunger, and illness.

These accounts align with testimonies provided to Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem and the United Nations. A UN report from July detailed allegations from returning detainees of being stripped naked, deprived of sustenance, sleep, and water, subjected to electric shocks and cigarette burns, and attacked by dogs.

A subsequent UN expert report last month documented cases of rape and sexual assault, stating its use, or the threat of it, was “standard operating procedure” for the IDF. Israel has “categorically rejected the unfounded allegations”.

Due to restricted access for international journalists to Gaza, these interviews were conducted via phone and text, and in person by local contracted freelancers.

All five men stated that abuse commenced immediately upon arrest, involving being stripped, blindfolded, and beaten.

Mohammad Abu Tawileh, a mechanic, reported enduring days of torture.

Mohammad Abu Tawileh’s Torture Account

Warning: Graphic image below

Mr. Abu Tawileh recounted being taken by soldiers to a nearby building in March 2024. He was held alone in a room for three days of interrogation, during which he was subjected to severe torture by troops.

He described soldiers mixing cleaning chemicals, submerging his head in the solution, and then physically assaulting him. He fell, injuring his eye, which he claims interrogators covered, exacerbating the injury.

He also alleged being set on fire. “They used an air freshener with a lighter to set my back on fire. I thrashed around like an animal in an attempt to put the fire out. It spread from my neck down to my legs. Then, they repeatedly hit me with rifle butts and sticks, poking me on my sides,” he recounted.

Furthermore, “they continued pouring acid on me, washing me with it for about a day and a half,” he stated. “They poured it on my head, and it dripped down my body while I was sitting on the chair.”

Eventually, he was washed with water, transported to Israel, and received hospital treatment, including skin grafts.

He reported that most treatment occurred at Sde Teiman barracks field hospital. He was allegedly handcuffed naked to a bed and given diapers due to denied toilet access. Israeli doctors from this hospital have previously informed the BBC that patient shackling and diaper use are routine.

Shortly after release, Mr. Abu Tawileh’s back displayed red welts, and residual burn pain disrupted his sleep. His vision was also affected.

While the BBC could not verify Mr. Abu Tawileh’s attack account directly, a Gaza specialist eye doctor confirmed a chemical burn to his eye, damaging surrounding skin and weakening his vision, potentially from chemicals or trauma.

UK doctors reviewed images of his injuries and details of his testimony, deeming them consistent with his account, while noting assessment limitations from photographs.

The BBC provided extensive details of this account to the IDF, allowing five days for investigation. The IDF did not directly address Mr. Abu Tawileh’s allegations but reiterated seriousness regarding actions contradicting their values.

The IDF stated they would “examine” certain cases but did not clarify if this examination included Mr. Abu Tawileh’s case in follow-up inquiries.

Abuse at Arrest and in Detention Facilities

Other interviewees also described abuse upon arrest.

“They cuffed us and beat us. No one offered me a drop of water,” stated Abdul Karim Mushtaha, a 33-year-old poultry worker. He was arrested at an Israeli checkpoint in November 2023 while evacuating with his family. A lawyer’s report noted Mr. Mushtaha endured “severe beatings, humiliation, degradation and stripping during his arrest until prison transfer.”

Two detainees reported being left outdoors in cold conditions for hours, and two alleged Israeli soldiers stealing their belongings and money.

The BBC relayed theft allegations to the IDF, who responded by stating such actions are “contrary to the law and IDF values” and would be “thoroughly” examined with more detailed case information.

All interviewees, including Mr. Mushtaha, were transferred to Sde Teiman barracks, where Mr. Abu Tawileh received field hospital treatment.

One interviewee, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisal (“Omar”), recounted mistreatment en route.

He claimed Israeli soldiers spat on him and others, calling them derogatory names. “They made us listen to a voice recording that said: ‘What you did to our children, we will do to your children’,” said the 33-year-old electrical cable company worker.

Sde Teiman has been subject to prior serious complaints since October 2023. Several soldiers were charged in February for assaulting a detainee, resulting in hospitalization. In another case, a soldier was sentenced for aggravated abuse of Palestinian detainees from Gaza.

Dog Attacks, Stress Positions, and Beatings

Three interviewees alleged dog intimidation at Sde Teiman and other locations.

“We were beaten when moved between barracks, the medical clinic, or interrogation. They set [muzzled] dogs on us, tightened our cuffs,” reported Mr. Abu Tawileh.

The BBC questioned the IDF regarding frequent dog use to intimidate and attack detainees. The response: “The use of dogs to harm detainees is prohibited.”

The IDF stated, “experienced terrorists considered very dangerous” were among detainees, and “extended shackling occurs in exceptional cases.”

Multiple detainees reported being forced into stress positions, including prolonged arm elevation.

“We knelt from 5 am to 10 pm, until sleep,” said Mr. Abu Tawileh.

Hamad al-Dahdouh described beatings at the barracks targeting “heads and sensitive areas like eyes and ears.”

The 44-year-old farmer reported temporary back and ear damage, and fractured ribs.

The IDF did not respond to this allegation.

Electric Shocks, Interrogation Tactics, and Conditions at Ketziot Prison

Mr. Dahdouh and others reported electric shocks during interrogations or as punishment.

“Oppression units used dogs, sticks, and stun guns, electrocuting and beating us,” he recounted.

Beatings and intimidation occurred with every movement, added Mr. Abu Tawileh.

Interrogations focused on alleged Hamas links, according to the men.

“Everyone imprisoned was labeled ‘terrorist’,” stated Mr. Mushtaha. “They insisted we participated in October 7th. They were all vengeful.”

“I told them: ‘If I were Hamas, would I use safe passages? Would I heed your calls to evacuate?’”

Interrogations extended through the night.

“For three nights, torture prevented sleep. Hands tied overhead for hours, naked. Complaining of cold resulted in cold water buckets poured and fans switched on,” recounted Mr. Dahdouh.

Interrogators asserted anyone from Gaza “is affiliated with terrorist groups,” dismissing detainees’ requests for legal recourse. Mr. Dahdouh said he was denied lawyer access. The IDF countered, “Israeli law grants judicial review in civil court, legal representation, and Supreme Court appeal rights.”

“Omar” reported three days of interrogation upon Sde Teiman arrival.

Detainees were allegedly dressed in thin overalls in freezing rooms with loud Israeli music.

After questioning, they were returned blindfolded to barracks.

“We lost track of day and night, without sunlight,” said Omar.

The IDF cited “oversight mechanisms”, including CCTV, “to ensure detention facility management aligns with orders and law.”

Omar and Mr. Mushtaha were transferred to Ketziot prison, describing a “welcoming ceremony” of beatings and further abuse.

Sexual Assault and Medical Negligence

Omar reported witnessing sexual assault in Ketziot.

“They undressed some men and committed shameful acts… forcing men to perform sex acts on each other. Non-penetrative acts, but compulsory oral sex,” he stated.

The BBC received no other such reports. However, the Palestinian Prisoners Society described sexual abuse in Ketziot as “common,” ranging from rape and harassment to genital beatings. While not confirming forced acts between detainees, they cited testimonies of forced nudity and being thrown naked onto each other.

A B’Tselem report documented sexual violence allegations, including a prisoner claiming guards attempted rape with a carrot.

The BBC presented the sexual act allegation to the IPS, which claimed to be “not aware” of this or other abuse claims at Ketziot and other prisons.

The IPS stated it is “a law enforcement organization operating under law and state comptroller supervision,” ensuring “all basic prisoner rights are applied by trained guards.” They reiterate unawareness of described claims, stating, “no such events have occurred under IPS responsibility” but acknowledged prisoners’ right to file complaints.

Omar reported baton beatings in Ketziot.

“After torture, pain lasted all night – back to legs. Others carried me to the toilet. My entire body was bruised for nearly two months, immobilizing me.”

Mr. Mushtaha described head slamming against doors and genital hits.

“They stripped us, tasered us, hit sensitive areas, threatening castration,” he stated. Beatings were “bone-breaking,” sometimes grouping detainees for hot water scalding.

“Torture was immense,” he concluded.

Both he and Omar described medical negligence.

“My hands were blistered and swollen,” Mr. Mushtaha recounted.

“My legs looked amputatable from inflammation… Guards just prescribed water and soap washes. How, with one hour of daily water and a spoon of shampoo weekly?”

Mr. Mushtaha quoted guards saying, “As long as you have a pulse, you are fine. We’ll treat you when your pulse is gone.”

Lack of Medical Care and Food

A lawyer’s September visit report for Mr. Mushtaha and Omar in Ketziot noted Mr. Mushtaha “suffers from pain due to boils, lacks cleanliness, and receives no treatment,” similar to other prisoners.

Mr. Mushtaha provided a Gaza doctor’s report confirming scabies infection upon release.

Omar recounted beatings for requesting medical care.

The lawyer noted Omar’s skin issues “pimples spreading on groin and buttocks due to harsh conditions,” including hygiene product scarcity and contaminated water. “Prisoner avoids showers due to itching and inflammation caused by the water.”

All detainees reported limited food and water in various facilities, with several reporting significant weight loss. Omar lost 30kg. The lawyer reported “almost non-existent” food initially, with slight improvements later.

Mr. Mushtaha claimed food was left outside caged compounds for animals before prisoners.

Ahmed Abu Seif reported being taken to Megiddo prison after arrest on his 17th birthday.

Tear Gas, Nail Removal, and Detainee Deaths

He described regular cell raids and tear gas spraying in Megiddo.

“We felt suffocated, unable to breathe for days after each tear gas attack,” said Ahmed, held in the youth wing. “No consideration for us being children; we were treated like October 7th militants.”

He alleged toenail removal during interrogations. Post-release, he showed affected toenails and handcuff/dog scratch scars.

The IPS did not respond to this allegation.

Two men reported witnessing detainee deaths in Sde Teiman and Ketziot – one from beatings including dog attacks, another from medical negligence.

Incident dates and names matched media and human rights group reports.

The Palestinian Prisoners Society reported at least 63 Palestinian prisoner deaths since October 7, 2023, 40 from Gaza.

The IPS did not respond to questions on Palestinian deaths in custody. The IDF acknowledged “detainee deaths, including those with pre-existing illness or combat injuries” and stated “investigations by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division (MPCID) are opened for every detainee death.”

Abuse continued until release in February, some men said.

“Release day was brutal. Tightened handcuffs, hands pulled above heads to move us,” said Mr. Mushtaha. “They threatened missile strikes for Hamas interaction, saying, ‘We will send a missile directly to you.'”

Ahmed, 17, reported worsened conditions post-ceasefire deal, “Soldiers intensified aggression knowing release was near.”

Omar felt “safe” only upon Red Cross bus transfer for Gaza return.

Some were returned wearing sweatshirts displaying the Star of David and Arabic text reading: “We do not forget and we do not forgive.”

A Gaza European Hospital official, assessing released detainees, noted common skin conditions like scabies, “extreme emaciation and malnutrition,” and “physical effects of torture.”

Legal expert Dr. Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne concluded chemical burns, head submersion, electric shocks, toenail removal, and severe beatings “meet the threshold of torture,” along with stress positions and loud music.

ICRC Access Denied

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which interviews returning detainees, cited privacy concerns for not commenting on individual conditions.

They expressed eagerness to access still-detained individuals, access denied since October 7th. “ICRC remains deeply concerned about detainee wellbeing and emphasizes urgent resumption of detention visits. We continuously request access in confidential dialogue,” they told the BBC.

Fifty-nine hostages remain in Gaza, 24 presumed alive. The ICRC has been denied access during their 18-month captivity, causing grave concern for families.

For released Palestinian detainees, Gaza return was bittersweet.

Mr. Abu Tawileh’s family was shocked by his condition. He remains affected. “My injury prevents activity. Eye pain, tears, and itchiness, plus body burns, bother me greatly,” he said.

Teenager Ahmed now desires Gaza emigration. “Detention experiences and fear of bombs… we wished for death.”