Israeli army defends stripping people as images cause global outrage
Jerusalem – AFP
Israeli media have reported that Hamas fighters have surrendered to Israeli forces in several locations across Gaza.
Footage published by Israeli media showed groups of men stripped down to their underwear, with some appearing to hand over weapons.
Defending the stripping of those detained, the army said that “it is often necessary for terror suspects to hand over their clothes … to ensure that they are not concealing explosive vests or other weaponry”.
The images of men being stripped and made to kneel caused outrage across the globe.
National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi told Israeli TV that 7,000 “terrorists” had been killed, without elaborating on the source.