Gaza: Shocking Images Capture Israeli Soldiers Detaining Stripped Men
Israeli soldiers detain and strip numerous men in Gaza, forcing them to kneel blindfolded in the street before cramming them into a military vehicle Disturbing images circulating on social media depict this shocking mass detention by the Israeli military
Photographs posted on social media on Thursday depicted a large-scale apprehension carried out by the Israeli military in Gaza, where men were forced to strip down to their underwear, kneel on the pavement, wear blindfolds, and cram into the rear of a military vehicle. The specific details and timing of these detentions remain uncertain, although the identities of some of the detainees have been verified by their associates or relatives.
Some of the detained men are civilians without ties to militant groups, as confirmed by CNN in a conversation with a relative and a statement from their employer, a news network. The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor also shared an image of one detainment and stated on its website Thursday that "the Israeli army detained and severely abused dozens of Palestinian civilians."
"Euro-Med Monitor reported that Israeli forces initiated indiscriminate and unjust arrest operations against displaced individuals, which included doctors, academics, journalists, and elderly men," the report stated. The Israel Defense Forces did not respond to CNN's request for comment on the images. CNN has determined that some of the images were taken in Beit Lahia, north of Gaza City.
The Israeli media has depicted the images as the surrender of Hamas members without specifying a source. During a news conference, a journalist asked IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari about the images, stating, "We've seen images of many captives, Hamas terrorists, that the IDF arrested during the ground maneuvering." Hagari responded by explaining that, in fighting Hamas, "those left in the area gradually come out."
"We conduct thorough investigations to determine who has connections to Hamas and who does not," he explained. "Anyone we find is arrested and subjected to questioning. We will persist in dismantling each of these strongholds until we have completed the task."
The men can be seen in the cargo bed of a military vehicle.Â
Obtained by CNN
Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported on Thursday that one of its correspondents and multiple members of his family were arrested in connection with the incident depicted in the images. According to the statement, "Today, Thursday, the Israeli occupation army arrested the journalist and the director of The New Arab office in Gaza, our colleague Diaa Al-Kahlot, from Market Street in Beit Lahia, along with a group of his brothers, relatives, and other civilians."
The occupation deliberately compelled Gazans to remove their clothing, subjected them to searches, and subjected them to humiliation upon arrest before transporting them to an undisclosed location, as reported by the local residents. Images and video footage circulated depicting soldiers arresting numerous Gazans using degrading and disrespectful tactics.
An image posted by Issam Abdallah to social media shows him immediately before the attack.He can clearly be seen wearing his press vest.
From Issam Abdallah
Israeli tank shells killed a Reuters journalist in October, according to reports from investigations. Al-Araby Al-Jadeed's editor-in-chief, Hussam Kanafani, stated that Al-Kahlot and his family were still missing.
"We are committed to working with international institutions and organizations dedicated to the rights and freedom of journalists worldwide to locate our colleague Diaa and secure his release at the earliest opportunity," stated Kanafani.
CNN interviewed Hani al-Madhoun, a relative of other detained men, from his residence in the United States.
"Israeli forces arrived on the street and summoned all the men to exit the house, and they obeyed," al-Madhoun informed CNN. "This was their sanctuary after our two homes were destroyed."
According to al-Madhoun, he has been in communication with his sister, who is currently in Gaza.
He claimed to have identified his cousin Aboud in a photograph and his brother Mahmood in a video. He mentioned that Mahmood works as a shopkeeper and that Aboud assists his father in construction, stating that he is not involved in any other activities. Please note that this story is still developing and updates will be provided.
