Hamas Interrogations in Gaza: IDF Warns of Civilian Torture

The Israel Defense Forces' Arabic-language spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ella Waweya, issued an urgent warning Wednesday to Gaza Strip residents, alerting them to what the military describes as Hamas's efforts to consolidate control through interrogations and torture of civilians. According to Waweya, Hamas has not relinquished its grip on the coastal enclave despite ongoing conflict.

"Residents of the Gaza Strip, be warned," she stated. "Since the ceasefire that took effect in October 2025, the IDF and Shin Bet security service have identified that Hamas has intensified interrogations and torture against you." She described how the terror organization conducts harsh interrogations involving torture as part of what he called "desperate attempts to strengthen its position." The spokesperson emphasized that these interrogation and torture operations target civilians from all segments of society, including children and women, and are carried out using public facilities.

Ella Waweya's warning (Video: IDF spokesperson in Arabic)

Waweya elaborated on what he characterized as Hamas's systematic strategy of exploiting civilian infrastructure. "Hamas employs a cynical strategy manifested in the exploitation of civilian buildings, including schools, hospitals, mosques, and government institutions, for military purposes," he said.

According to the IDF spokesperson, these facilities are being used to carry out arbitrary arrests and systematic torture, not only against political opponents of Hamas, but also against ordinary residents who are summoned for questioning from time to time. The torture methods, she claimed, include severe physical violence, abusive behavior, extortion, psychological threats, prolonged solitary confinement, and psychological harm.

Concluding his statement, she addressed Gaza residents directly: "The severe violence, interrogations, and torture operations cause you harm and destroy your lives. The terrorist movement that led the Gaza Strip to destruction and desolation continues to escalate the spread of ruin and the harm caused to you, the residents of the Strip."