Search
Close this search box.

Israeli Soldiers Accused of Torturing Baby in Gaza to Force Father’s Confession: Report

Gaza: Israeli soldiers allegedly tortured a 1-year-old baby in central Gaza in an attempt to force the child's father to confess during interrogation, Palestinian television reported on Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the report cited journalist Osama al-Kahlut, stating that the baby, identified as Karim, and his father Osama Abu Nassar, were caught in armed clashes near the Al-Maghazi refugee camp while outside to meet daily needs. Witnesses reported that Israeli soldiers took both the father and child to a military checkpoint, where they were stripped and interrogated.

During this interrogation, soldiers allegedly extinguished cigarettes on the baby's leg, inflicted injuries with sharp objects, and drove a nail into the child's leg in front of the father. Visuals published by the journalist showcased the injuries sustained by the child as a result of the alleged abuse.

The baby was reportedly released about 10 hours later and handed over to his family in Al-Maghazi through the International Committee of the Red Cross, while the father remains in Israeli custody. A medical report indicated that the child suffered cigarette burns on the leg and puncture wounds caused by a nail.

The family has urged international organizations to secure the father's release and ensure the continuation of the child's medical treatment. Israeli forces have reportedly carried out daily violations of the ceasefire in place since Oct. 10, which have killed 677 people and wounded 1,813 others as of March 18, according to Health Ministry data.

Israel launched a war on Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 72,000 Palestinians, wounding around 172,000 others, and devastating about 90% of civilian infrastructure.