Title: Israeli Soldiers Detain Palestinians in Gaza; UN Funding Paused for Relief Agencies
In a recent incident near the Gaza border, Israeli soldiers were observed detaining Palestinian men who had been blindfolded and barefoot. The actions of Israeli soldiers have previously been criticized by UN human rights officials, who urged Israel to cease the mistreatment of Palestinians, including the use of blindfolds. The detainees were brought from Gaza to Israel for further questioning and were seen in a video kneeling or sitting on the ground, their hands tied behind their backs.
The video footage shows that the detained Palestinians were wearing disposable white coveralls. Despite the temperature being around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, they were not provided with warm clothing. Many of the men appeared physically exhausted, nodding their heads and swaying. One man was lying on the ground until an Israeli soldier propped him back up.
The Israeli military asserted that the individuals were suspected of engaging in terrorist activities and were arrested in Gaza before being transferred to Israel for further interrogation. They assured that those found not involved in terrorism would be released back into Gaza promptly. The military explained that the detainees were wearing the disposable coveralls because their clothes had been searched to ensure they were not carrying weapons or explosives. They also mentioned that the detainees would be provided with clothing upon arrival at the detention facility.
The exact duration these men spent on the ground before being taken away is unknown as the filming journalist was asked to leave by an Israeli soldier. Instances of Palestinian men and boys being detained by the Israeli military have been documented before. In some cases, those detained were eventually proven to be civilians, as confirmed by relatives or friends in videos. In December, interviews were conducted with 10 Palestinian men and boys who claimed they had been detained without charge for five days before being released. Some exhibited swollen wrists and bruises from having their hands tied behind their backs during detention.
Regarding funding for United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the United Kingdom has joined the United States in temporarily pausing its support. UNRWA provides vital aid, including shelter and food, to Palestinian refugees, particularly in Gaza. The decision follows allegations that 12 UNRWA staffers were involved in the October 7th terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas, as per intelligence shared by Israel with the US and UNRWA directly. In response, UNRWA has fired a number of staffers to ensure continued flow of humanitarian assistance. Hamas has condemned Israel's threats against UNRWA and called on nations to continue funding the agency. Israel has expressed its desire to terminate UNRWA's role in Gaza.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions in the region, with Israel citing security concerns in its treatment of detainees while the international community investigates allegations and reassesses funding for humanitarian agencies supporting Palestinian refugees.
