Sixty Palestinians detained by Israel return to Gaza, describe abuses

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that 60 Palestinian men detained by Israel were returned to Gaza and taken by the International Committee of the Red Cross to Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis on Monday for medical checks. The outlet said some arrived visibly weakened, injured or in wheelchairs, and were met by relatives and hospital staff. It described the transfer as the largest release since the first phase of a ceasefire in the Gaza war took effect in October.

According to Al Jazeera, the released men are among nearly 1,300 people from Gaza held by Israel as “unlawful combatants,” citing the Israeli rights group HaMoked. Israel said the men were freed after interrogations found they were “no longer security suspects.” Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Gaza said the detainees had been labourers in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory before October 7, 2023, and noted that Gaza’s blockade and severe humanitarian conditions could complicate their recovery.

Several freed detainees gave accounts to Anadolu, carried by Al Jazeera, alleging severe mistreatment in custody. Abdullah Kilani said he was seized in central Gaza in December 2024 and held for more than 18 months. Another man, identified as Abu Ibrahim, alleged beatings by guards and harsh detention conditions. Mohammed Jabr al-Majdalawi said he was held for a year and nine months and only learned of his release when he encountered Red Cross staff.

Al Jazeera also cited rights groups that have documented alleged abuse, medical neglect and deprivation in Israeli detention facilities, including Ofer, Negev and Sde Teiman. The ICRC says it has not been able to access Palestinians held by Israel since October 2023 and continues to seek access to locate detainees and inspect conditions.