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Israeli soldiers arrest migrants along Egyptian border (Illustrative) Credit: AP

Israeli troops facing Palestinian protesters near the Gaza border, October 16, 2015. Credit: Eliyahu Hershkovitz

Palestinian evacuate a wounded protester after he was shot by Israeli troops during clashes near the border with Israel, in the east of Gaza City October 16, 2015. Credit: Reuters
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Haaretz has learned that Military Police investigation unit has begun probing incident in which three minors were beaten and humiliated after crossing into Israel illegally.

by Gili Cohen and Jack Khoury for Haaretz

Israel is investigating reports of suspected abuse by Israeli soldiers of three Palestinian boys who crossed the separation barrier from Gaza into Israel during clashes that erupted along the border a few months ago, Haaretz has learned from testimonies and a report by prohibition officers.

The Military Police's investigation department is looking into claims that after the three boys were arrested, they were violently mistreated by Israel Defense Forces' soldiers. The testimony of the boys, as told to a researcher for B'Tselem, Khaled al-Azayzeh, alleges they were beaten, maybe even with a rifle butt; were kept handcuffed for hours, deprived of sleep, had water was poured on them and even cigarettes extinguished on them.

A report by the probation services also paints a similar picture, saying all three boys had a severely traumatic experience while in IDF custody.

On October 10, clashes broke out along the border fence surrounding Gaza, near the al-Bureij refugee camp. Dozens of Gaza Strip residents arrived at the fence and burned tires, with some throwing stones. At least two were killed during the altercations and at some point a group of young men breached the iron gate in the border fence, crossing into Israeli territory.

Among them were three minors, who hid among the bushes, and were then arrested after being found by IDF search dogs. The three were taken to an Israeli army base where the alleged abuse occurred.

In a conversation with Haaretz Abed, 16, recalls the day's events: "It was in the evening, and a short time later we felt that the soldiers had surrounded us and sent dogs that attacked us among the bushes."

After the soldiers arrested Abed and two of his friends, he says he was handcuffed and blindfolded. "Here began a nightmare that lasted for three days. They stripped us, cursed and beat us all over our bodies – whether by kicking or with the rifle butt.  At night we fell asleep half naked on the floor, without any blankets or covering," said Abed, adding that they were beaten again the next day by the soldiers.

He also said that the soldiers poured a soft drink on their bodies. "It was disgusting and frightening, and apparently it's something they did on purpose. The entire time they laughed and mocked us, and at night they also played loud music and didn't let us sleep."

His friend, Mohammed, said in conversation from Gaza that the soldiers extinguished cigarettes on them. He too described being beaten and cursed, and claims that he was forced to drink an alcoholic drink.

His father said that his son, who is an eighth grader at an UNRWA school, is a good boy with good grades and has no prior criminal record - much like the other minors arrested. He says the boy still hasn't recovered since the incident, and has been receiving psychological treatment since then. According to a report by the probation services, the boy he had a particularly difficult detention experience.

"I'm not sure that my son came to the fence in order to throw stones, and maybe he came out of curiosity. But even if he did – that in no way justifies such behavior and abuse, and I'm sure that the son's case is not an isolated one," said his father.

A probation officer reported that the third minor, Taufik, also had a traumatic detention experience.  Mohammed and Taufik received a six-month prison sentence. Abed received a four-month sentence.

All three were released to the Gaza Strip in the past two months.
Haaretz sent the minors' testimonies of the minors and the description of their experience in the army camp to the IDF. The army confirmed that there was an investigation by the Military Police's investigative unit, whose findings were sent to the Military Advocate General. The IDF spokesman said that "after the arrest of the Palestinian there were various complaints regarding the conduct towards them. When the IDF received the complaints an investigation was opened. The findings were recently sent to be examined by the MAG."

A military source added that the Military Police may be asked to carry out additional investigative activities on the instructions of the MAG, and therefore "we cannot give details regarding the complaints that are being investigated and information resulting from the investigation."