Zionist Regime Forces Engrave Star of David on Palestinian Detainee’s Head Prior to Release

Palestinian detainee Musab Qatawi was released on Thursday, concluding a three-year period in Israeli custody.

The Israeli authorities have released Qatawi along with Ahmad Manasra, another Palestinian detainee who had spent ten years incarcerated after being arrested at the age of 13, enduring similar conditions prior to his release.

According to reports, Qatawi recounted that just as they were about to be released, guards brought out a rubbish bin, forcibly placed their heads inside, and proceeded to assault them. One guard reportedly drew the Star of David on Qatawi’s head.

Qatawi was detained at Nafha Prison, where he alleges that he and his fellow inmates were subjected to daily beatings by the prison guards.

The individual recounted a harrowing ordeal, stating they were “severely beaten” and subjected to numerous indignities, including insults, physical abuse, and the deployment of dogs. The situation was described as extremely challenging.

Qatawi highlighted issues such as a shortage of food, inadequate hygiene measures, and the prevalence of diseases, among other challenges.

Israeli prison authorities have reportedly been employing the Star of David, a prominent Jewish religious symbol also featured on Israel’s national flag, as a method of torture against Palestinian detainees.

In August 2023, Israeli forces reportedly branded the Star of David onto the face of a Palestinian man in the occupied West Bank. The man’s identity has been kept confidential due to security concerns.

In July, Itamar Ben Gvir, serving as the security minister, proudly stated that he had significantly deteriorated the living conditions for Palestinian detainees.

In assuming the role of Minister of National Security, Ben Gvir stated that a primary objective has been to intensify the conditions of imprisoned terrorists and to minimize their rights to the bare legal necessities.

Manasra has reportedly endured severe physical torture and psychological intimidation, facing relentless interrogation techniques that extended for hours without pause, resulting in a state of utter sleep deprivation and exhaustion.

An individual reportedly developed schizophrenia while in solitary confinement, leading to attempts to inflict harm upon himself and others.

**Hamas Condemns What It Terms Stark Example of Israeli Aggression**

Hamas, in a statement released on Friday, described the situation involving Manasra as a stark illustration of systematic brutality.

The Gaza-based resistance group highlighted that the occupation authorities have placed Manasra under house arrest, restricted his communication with the media, and prohibited his family from meeting him. Additionally, they have been warned against organizing any welcoming events.

Hamas has characterized these actions as “sadistic and fascist,” indicating what they perceive as a “shaky and illegitimate occupation authority,” and categorizing them as a clear breach of human rights principles.

Since the onset of hostilities between Israel and Gaza in October 2023, the situation for Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons has significantly deteriorated.

The Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, alongside the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society, reports that over 10,000 Palestinians are currently incarcerated in Israeli prisons. This figure does not account for individuals detained in Gaza over the past 18 months of conflict.

Israeli detention facilities have gained notoriety for the alleged mistreatment of Palestinian detainees. Various United Nations agencies, investigators, and human rights organizations have recorded numerous instances of arbitrary arrests, inhumane and degrading treatment, torture, and fatalities among Palestinians held in Israeli custody.