Palestinians Highlight Hamas Torture Chamber at Gaza’s Al-Nasser Hospital

Latest Developments

• Gazans Held in Cages: Hamas is using the al-Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis to detain and torture Gazans, according to a Palestinian-American humanitarian advocate. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib described the experiences of an unnamed Gazan activist who claimed that he was taken by Hamas to the hospital, where the terrorist group is reportedly operating an interrogation center and prison. The activist alleged that he was detained without charge and incarcerated with 12 others in a metal cage behind the outpatient department at the hospital’s Yassin Center, where he faced interrogation and repeated beatings.
• ‘Broken Limbs’: Gazan activist Ameen Abed separately urged the U.S.-led Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, Israel, to use its drones to collect evidence of Hamas’s brutal killing and torture of Palestinians. Abed described victims with “their limbs broken and metal plates inserted into their feet and hands.” U.S. officials have confirmed that the United States is flying drones over the Gaza Strip to monitor compliance with the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. On October 31, an American MQ-9 drone spotted Hamas operatives looting an aid truck near Khan Younis.
• Kushner in Israel: White House adviser Jared Kushner returned to Israel to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for discussions on advancing the ceasefire in Gaza into its second phase. According to an Israeli government spokesperson, the two spoke about “disarming Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, and ensuring Hamas does not have a future role in Gaza.” So far, Hamas has adamantly refused to disarm. U.S. officials are reportedly pressing Netanyahu to allow up to 200 Hamas terrorists currently in tunnels on the Israeli-controlled side of Gaza’s “Yellow Line” to relocate to Hamas-controlled areas in exchange for their disarmament.

FDD Expert Response

 “Countries that have a stake in seeing a stable Gaza must treat revelations of Hamas’s brutality with great urgency — especially the torture that reportedly is taking place at al-Nasser hospital, where cruelty by Hamas has previously been reported. Policymakers should not wait until protesters abroad take up the cause, as history shows they will not. And the lion’s share of local media has chosen not to cross Hamas’s rules of the road by reporting on its actions. Gaza’s success or failure will be determined by whether Hamas remains armed and able to strike not only against Israel but also against peacekeeping forces and its own civilians.” — Toby Dershowitz, Senior Advisor

“Hamas has a long history of using hospitals as headquarters, military facilities, and interrogation centers, so these new allegations are not surprising. Hamas not only turns medical facilities into military targets by operating out of them but also has transformed healing centers into torture dungeons. Hamas is the greatest enemy of the Palestinian people, and any cover provided to Hamas prolongs Palestinian suffering.” — David May, Research Manager and Senior Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“Remains of IDF Officer Held Captive by Hamas for More Than a Decade Finally Released,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hamas Official Floats Discussions for Decommissioning Group’s Long-Range Weapons,” FDD Flash Brief

“U.S. Reportedly Drafts UN Security Council Resolution for Establishment of International Stabilization Force in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Rejects Safe Passage To Allow Terrorists To Return to Hamas-Controlled Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief