In late May, Gazan detainees sat handcuffed and blindfolded in rows inside a military hangar at the Sde Teiman base in southern Israel, overseen by Israeli soldiers through a mesh fence as reported by the New York Times. They were forbidden from speaking loudly, standing, or sleeping without permission.

The New York Times was granted a rare visit to the facility, which has been criticized for alleged mistreatment of detainees.

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Most of the detainees were captured since the war started on Oct. 7. Sde Teiman has become a focal point for allegations of abuse, with former detainees describing beatings and other mistreatment.

Commanders at the site reported that roughly 4,000 detainees had been held there, with around 70% transferred to prisons for further investigation and prosecution, while 1,200 civilians were released back to Gaza without charges.

A New York Times investigation found that detainees endured demeaning conditions and were denied access to lawyers and outside communication for up to 90 days. Eight former detainees, confirmed to have been held at the site, reported being beaten, subjected to electric shocks, and forced to wear diapers during interrogations. An Israeli soldier also corroborated these claims, noting instances of severe abuse.

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Israeli Military Denied Abuse

The Israeli military denied systematic abuse and claimed any misconduct was isolated. Despite this, military prosecutors are investigating the deaths of 35 detainees, attributed to pre-existing conditions according to officials. The Israeli Supreme Court is now considering a petition to close the site, which has drawn increased media scrutiny.

Detainees, classified as “unlawful combatants,” can be held for up to 75 days without judicial review under Israeli law, a practice criticized by international law experts. Despite denials from military officials, accounts of mistreatment persist, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding Sde Teiman’s role in the conflict.

From Survivors and Whistleblower’s Experience

CCN was able to talk with survivors and a whistleblower about their experiences.

 

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See the full visit to Sde Teiman by visiting New York Times.