Gazans describe dismal conditions in Israeli captivity that led to limbs being amputated
Gazans detained by the Israeli army after suffering serious injuries have spoken of the grim conditions in captivity that in some cases have led to limbs being amputated after medical treatment was denied.
Ghassan Abu Salah was “handcuffed and blindfolded” during his 53 days in Israeli custody.
He and brother Sufian were taken from the Palestine Red Crescent Society headquarters in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip.
They were seeking shelter there with their family after being displaced. The brothers were among 150 Gazans released yesterday at the Karam Abu Salem border crossing.
“I was handcuffed and blindfolded the entire time,” Mr Abu Salah told The National.
“They tightened the restraints so any movement of your hands would cause more and more pain, and when we asked the soldiers to loosen them, they refused.”
Mr Abu Salah said that other injured prisoners who sought treatment for their wounds were refused and instead offered water.
The Israeli army did not respond to a request for a comment on the prisoners’ claims of torture while in their custody.
Sufian was already suffering from a leg injury when he was detained.
In custody, his leg became infected, Mr Abu Salah said.
“Eventually he was taken to Tel-HaShomer Hospital where they amputated his leg,” he said, referring to a medical complex in Israel.
Earlier this month, an Israeli doctor spoke out about Israel’s treatment of Gazan prisoners.
He said prisoners were being placed in circumstances that were detrimental to their health. The Israeli government was at risk of violating international law, he added.
“Just this week, two prisoners had their legs amputated due to handcuff injuries, which unfortunately is a routine event,” the unidentified doctor said in a letter sent to Israel’s Defence Minister, Health Minister and Attorney General, Haaretz reported.
A 12-year-old boy, Nimer Al Nimer, was among the detainees released yesterday.
He had spent two weeks in Israeli custody after being taken while trying to reach aid that had been dropped in Beit Hanoun, in northern Gaza.
He said Israeli soldiers shot him and arrested him.
“I was injured in my abdomen, hand, back and legs by bullets,” he told The National.
“Then they kicked my head with their boots. They only provided me basic treatment before putting me in prison.”
Nimer was interrogated and asked about his family members’ “activities”, he said.
He was asked whether they were involved with Hamas or other armed groups that Israel considers a threat.