Gaza Civilians Allege Hamas Uses Three Hospitals as Interrogation Centers, Prompting Criticism of Rights Organizations' Silence

Gaza City – Civilians in the Gaza Strip have reportedly detailed severe human rights abuses by Hamas, including the use of hospitals as interrogation centers, according to Palestinian-American peace advocate Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib. Alkhatib, who recently spoke with a diverse group of Gazans, highlighted widespread fear of retribution for speaking out against the militant group. These allegations have led to strong criticism regarding the perceived inaction and silence of international humanitarian and human rights organizations.

Alkhatib's conversations revealed a consistent narrative among humanitarians, anti-Hamas activists, and ordinary civilians regarding Hamas's methods of suppressing dissent. He stated, "Every single one has referenced the horror that Hamas carries out against those who have enough of a platform and dare speak out." This climate of fear reportedly prevents a mass anti-Hamas movement from emerging within the enclave.

A particularly disturbing accusation involves the alleged use of Gaza’s medical facilities for coercive purposes. According to Alkhatib's findings, "Specifically, and disturbingly, they have each referenced the use of Gaza’s hospitals by Hamas as interrogation centers, and how the terror group threatens its opponents with 'rods in their legs' if they dare open their mouths." The hospitals named in these accounts include al-Shifa in Gaza City, Al Aqsa in Deir al-Balah, and Nasser in Khan Younis. Victims reportedly describe being kidnapped, beaten, and having their legs broken.

The advocate further criticized international bodies for their apparent selective engagement with human rights issues in the region. Alkhatib lamented, "Despite widespread public knowledge of what happens, none of the international humanitarian or 'human rights' organizations have said anything about the horrendous human rights atrocities being committed by Hamas against the Palestinian people of Gaza." He suggested that for many such groups, "The crimes being perpetrated against Palestinians are only relevant to these organizations when Israel is the culprit."

Alkhatib argued that this perceived bias undermines the credibility of these organizations, calling for a "serious makeover" in human rights activism. He emphasized that Hamas, which he described as a "Muslim Brotherhood-backed, Iranian Islamic Regime-financed terror entity," should be recognized as a human rights issue in its own right. He concluded by expressing "Shame on all of these fraudsters who are unable to hold multiple truths and who are asleep at the wheel now that there is a ceasefire in Gaza."