Mohammad Saber Arab, a 42-year-old journalist from Gaza working for Alaraby television, has disclosed severe mistreatment and torture he and other detainees have endured in Israeli detention centres.

Arab was apprehended three months ago at Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital by Israeli forces.

During his initial meeting with lawyer Khaled Mahajneh, which took place under strict Israeli military supervision, Arab appeared disoriented, asking, “Where am I?” He was unaware of his location, having been transported to the Sde Teiman camp. His testimony adds to the mounting evidence of the harsh conditions faced by Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody.

Arab recounted that detainees are kept handcuffed and blindfolded continuously. He was not allowed to change clothes for nearly two months, except for his pants on the day of the lawyer's visit. The detainees endure persistent torture, abuse, and violent assaults, including sexual assault and rape, leading to the deaths of some detainees.

He described constant beatings, humiliation, and verbal abuse, with strict prohibitions on communication among detainees. Those who attempt to communicate are severely beaten. Religious practices are forbidden, and injured or sick detainees often face further harm, including limb amputations and bullet removals without anesthesia.

Arab detailed the dehumanizing conditions, including being surrounded by police dogs, limited access to toilets, and severe punishment for taking too long. Detainees sleep on the floor using their shoes as pillows and are allowed to bathe for only one minute per week. Daytime sleep is prohibited.

Food is extremely scarce, typically limited to a few bites of labneh (strained yoghurt) and a piece of cucumber or tomato daily.

Arab equated the treatment of Palestinian detainees by Israeli forces to genocide, urging immediate international action to end their suffering and stop the ongoing abuses.

Nearly 37,400 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its military offensive on Gaza in Oct. 7, most of them women and children, and more than 85,400 others injured.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, whose latest ruling ordered it to immediately halt its operation in the southern city of Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.