Israeli media reported Wednesday that the army is holding hundreds of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, accused of being Hamas’ armed wing elite forces members, in harsh conditions.
Israeli Channel 12 estimated that 300 members of the Al-Qassam Brigades elite forces, known as Nukhba Forces, are currently being held in Israel.
It said the Palestinians are being classified at the highest level — dangerous.
It noted that they were arrested in Israeli towns and areas around Gaza on Oct. 7, and are accused of being involved in the Hamas attack.
The channel added that they are handcuffed all day in dark cells, and are allowed to exit their cells once to take a shower.
It said Israel currently does not intend to indict them, for fear of harming Israeli hostages in Gaza.
The channel noted that the Palestinians are held in a facility under the supervision of the Israeli Prison Authority, and are separated from other detainees in Israeli jails.
Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, killing over 20,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring 52,586, according to health authorities in the enclave.
The Israeli onslaught has left Gaza in ruins with half of the coastal territory’s housing stock damaged or destroyed, and nearly 2 million residents displaced within the densely-populated enclave amid shortages of food and clean water.
Nearly 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attack, while nearly 130 hostages remain in captivity.