CNN Video Reveals Blindfolded, Barefoot Palestinian Detainees Near Gaza-Israel Border

CNN recently captured a scene near the Israel-Gaza border where over two dozen Palestinian men were detained by Israeli forces. The men, blindfolded and barefoot, were sitting and kneeling on the cold, wet ground, their hands tied behind their backs. Israeli soldiers, faces hidden by balaclavas, stood watch over them.

This incident occurred in southern Israel, close to the Gaza border. The footage, a rare glimpse into such detentions, showed the Palestinian men brought over the border from Gaza into Israel by Israeli forces.

Several of the detainees appeared to be in a state of physical exhaustion, struggling to maintain their kneeling posture. One man lay on the ground until an Israeli soldier intervened to sit him upright. All the detainees were dressed in disposable white coveralls, despite the chilly temperature of 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit).

The Israeli military stated that these men were suspected of terrorist activities and had been arrested in Gaza before being transferred to Israel for further interrogation. According to the Israel Defense Forces, it is a standard procedure in such cases for suspects to hand over their clothing for searches to ensure they are not hiding explosives or weapons. They are provided with jumpsuits and then clothed upon arrival at the detention facility.

The IDF also noted that those found not involved in terrorist activities are returned to Gaza as soon as possible. They assured that the men filmed on Saturday were about to be moved to a heated bus, asserting that detainees are always treated in accordance with international law.

Although a bus was present nearby, CNN was unable to verify when the men were boarded onto it, as Israeli forces soon instructed CNN to vacate the area.

The Israeli military has detained numerous Palestinian individuals – including boys, men, and occasionally women – during its operations in Gaza, often moving them to detention sites in Israel and detaining them for days without charges. Many of these detainees have been identified as civilians. Allegations of mistreatment by Israeli forces have been reported, including claims of abuse from several Palestinian individuals who spoke to CNN in December about their five-day detention without charges, showing signs of physical harm.

The Israeli military has responded to these allegations, stating, “The individuals detained are treated in accordance with international law” and emphasizing their commitment to treating detainees with dignity. They also mentioned that any deviations from these guidelines would be investigated.