Israeli Soldiers Mark Palestinian Detainees with Numbers on Forehead and Hand, IDF Acknowledges and Reviews Incident

Ahmad Hatmawi, a resident of Qabatiya and a released prisoner recently detained for the fourth time, told the Qatari channel Al-Arabi on Tuesday that Israeli soldiers marked him with numbers on his body during his arrest. Hatmawi described being marked with the number "44" on his forehead and said this was the first time such marking occurred to him, despite multiple detentions. He recounted that during his previous arrest, ten days before the IDF raid on Qabatiya, he was interrogated and intimidated, with soldiers warning about settler presence and discouraging resistance. Hatmawi said the markings and treatment were meant to humiliate detainees and send a message discouraging opposition to settlers, especially in the Jenin area.

The IDF confirmed the report, stating that during a divisional operation in Qabatiya in the Menashe region, security forces marked suspects who were interrogated as part of the operation. The military emphasized that commanders clarified the severity of the act to the troops and that lessons were learned from the incident. Hatmawi also noted the presence of about 50 detainees, including women in restraints, and criticized the degrading treatment of prisoners.

This incident highlights tensions in the West Bank amid ongoing Israeli military operations and settler-related conflicts. The IDF's acknowledgment and stated corrective measures indicate an internal review following the allegations of detainee mistreatment.