Allegations of Torture: Gazan Detainees Share Disturbing Experiences in Israeli Custody**

In interviews with the BBC, several former Palestinian detainees describe severe mistreatment and torture, including chemical burns and electric shocks, as they share their stories of abuse in Israeli military and prison facilities. Their accounts have raised alarming questions about human rights practices within Israel's detention system.**

Former Palestinian detainees returning to Gaza have bravely shared their traumatic experiences of torture and mistreatment during their time in Israeli custody, with reports indicating systematic abuse in military and prison facilities. Their harrowing stories, detailed in interviews with the BBC, expose alleged acts ranging from chemical burns to electric shocks and severe beatings.

One detainee, 36-year-old Mohammad Abu Tawileh, recounted a horrific ordeal where soldiers allegedly used cleaning chemicals to burn him and physically assaulted him with rifles while he was set ablaze. Abu Tawileh described the painful moment, saying, "I thrashed around like an animal in an attempt to put the fire out [on my body]." The affected detainees were arrested under Israel’s Unlawful Combatants Law, purportedly for suspected connections to Hamas, following violent conflict that left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 hostages taken.

Continuing with their testimonies, many former detainees reported undergoing extreme measures, including being stripped, blindfolded, subjected to electric shocks, and denied medical care while facing physical and psychological abuse. One individual claimed, "I witnessed sexual abuse and saw others die," further demonstrating the gravity of their shared experiences.

Despite presenting detailed allegations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have denied systematic abuse, stating that complaints regarding inappropriate behavior are examined by relevant authorities. The IDF and Israel Prison Service (IPS) maintain that no knowledge or acknowledgment of the mistreatment claims exist. However, testimony from human rights groups and various legal experts suggests these claims are credible and inconsistent with both international and Israeli law.

Dr. Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne emphasized that the allegations raised by detainees align with the legal definitions of torture, highlighting an international legal obligation to treat detainees humanely. Current events indicate that the trauma of these individuals remains unresolved, as many express a desire to leave Gaza due to the psychological scars left by their detention experiences.

Among those released, severe physical and mental health concerns have emerged, with reports of malnutrition and untreated wounds prevalent among returnees. As the ongoing conflict continues to affect the region, these testimonies call into question the broader issues of human rights and the treatment of detainees within Israel's detention system, shedding light on a troubling reality that requires urgent attention and accountability.