Dozens of Palestinians abducted from Gaza remain missing

July 24: Mass arrest of Palestinians by occupation ground forces, Gaza
July 24: Mass arrest of Palestinians by occupation ground forces, Gaza

Dozens of Palestinians abducted by Israeli occupation forces from Gaza during their ground invasion remain missing, reported Shawqi al-Ayassa, Palestinian minister of prisoners’ affairs. Over 200 Palestinians were reportedly abducted from Gaza, including a number from the Khuza’a area, and interrogated by the Shin Bet. Approximately 75 were released en masse in Beit Hanoun, but the rest remain in occupation custody.

Al-Ayassa reported that the ministry does not have the names or ID numbers of the Palestinians being held; an occupation official reported to Ma’an News that 159 Palestinians had been arrested for interrogation by the Shin Bet. 26 Palestinians from Gaza are now being held at Ashkelon prison under interrogation, reported the Ministry on Friday, August 8.

Al-Ayassa raised concerns that Palestinian prisoners abducted by occupation forces had been executed, and called upon the International Committee of the Red Cross to obtain the names, ID numbers and locations of the imprisoned Palestinians. He also urged Palestinian families in Gaza to report missing people to the ministry, who may be held in occupation interrogation rooms.