**Overlooked Agony: Released Palestinian Detainees Share Accounts of Brutal Treatment in Israeli Custody**

**A recent probe highlights harrowing testimonies of Palestinian detainees returning to Gaza after brutal treatment in Israeli custody, as significant concerns arise over human rights violations and calls for international oversight.**

Palestinian detainees returning to Gaza have spoken out about their traumatic experiences while held in Israeli detention facilities, detailing horrific accounts of abuse and torture. In interviews with journalists, the ex-detainees recounted experiences of extreme mistreatment, including beatings, electric shocks, and chemical burns, raising grave concerns about the conduct of the Israeli military and prison staff.

One released prisoner, Mohammad Abu Tawileh, candidly narrated his traumatic ordeal, recounting an incident in which he was set on fire after having his head submerged in harsh chemicals. "I thrashed around like an animal in an attempt to put the fire out," the 36-year-old mechanic reported. This account mirrors those of four other men, all released under a ceasefire deal following conflict escalation that began after Hamas's attacks in October 2023.

The detainees described a pattern of ill-treatment from the moment of their detention. Heavier issues, such as being stripped, blindfolded, and subjected to physical and psychological torture, came to the forefront during their interviews. Many reported the denial of medical care and the witnessing of death among fellow prisoners, a claim supported by various human rights organizations.

In response to the allegations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to "completely reject accusations of systematic abuse of detainees." However, they did not specifically address the allegations presented by the BBC, stating that certain claims lacked identifiable details that made them difficult to investigate. The Israel Prison Service (IPS) also denied any claims of abuse within its facilities.

Dr. Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne of the University of Bristol noted that the treatment described by the detainees violates both international and Israeli laws. “Under international law, the obligations relating to the humane treatment of detainees are paramount, regardless of the circumstances,” he remarked.

The interviews conducted revealed a grim picture of conditions within Israeli prisons. Former detainees highlighted severe physical abuse, insufficient medical care, and allegations of sexual violence, echoing prior reports from human rights organizations documenting systematic violence against detainees.

Despite calls for inquiry into these grave accusations, the IDF and the IPS have rebuffed claims of misconduct while emphasizing their adherence to legal frameworks governing treatment of detainees. The relentless cycle of violence and the plight of detainees continue to underscore the urgent need for transparent oversight into troubling accounts of abuse and a broader dialogue surrounding Israeli-Palestinian tensions.

As the lives of released detainees remain profoundly affected, they return to Gaza, grappling with lasting injuries — both physical and emotional — and the haunting memories of suffering endured in silence.