The 'Abused' Hamas Terrorist from the Sde Teiman Case was 'Accidentally' Deported to Gaza

In a stunning turn in the Sde Teiman prisoner abuse case, Israel’s Military Prosecution informed the defense attorneys of the suspects that the complainant, a Hamas detainee central to the case, was mistakenly released to Gaza approximately two weeks ago.

According to the document shared with the defendants’ lawyers, the Military Prosecution had attempted to locate the Hamas officer to extend his detention, but he could not be found. It later emerged that he had been freed to Gaza, leaving prosecutors unable to interrogate the main witness.

The revelation has thrown the case into jeopardy. Legal experts warn that without access to the key complainant, the prosecution may struggle to secure convictions, and there is a growing possibility that the charges could be withdrawn entirely.

Sources indicate that the Military Advocate General’s office effectively resolved the legal deadlock by dropping the case, affecting roughly 100 individuals. Critics argue that the move was taken to avoid a public legal confrontation and the full disclosure of sensitive information.

Journalist Ayala Hasson, who first broke the story, adds that attempts to intimidate or pressure journalists covering the story will not succeed, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability.

This development marks a dramatic setback in a case involving allegations of prisoner abuse and mishandling within the IDF’s Sde Teiman operation, raising serious questions about procedural oversight and accountability.

Itay Blumental reports:

The lawyers representing the defendants in the Sde Teiman prisoner abuse case were informed that the detainee from Sde Teiman, a Hamas police officer arrested in Gaza and the subject of the case, was released to Gaza on October 13, 2025, as part of a hostage release deal. Twenty living hostages were freed, and Israel released hundreds of detainees and terrorists, including the only witness in the Sde Teiman case.

Following the mistaken release, the defense attorneys for the suspects in this case have demanded that the indictment be dismissed.

Representing the suspects, lawyers from Force 100 stated: "This is a disgrace. The indictment must be canceled. From day one, we told the court that if the detainee were brought to testify, the case would collapse."

According to unverified reports, the defendant now clarified that he is willing to return from Gaza to Israel and testify against the soldiers.