JERUSALEM, Dec 10, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Israel's army on Sunday dismissed outcry 
over footage showing scores of stripped Palestinians in Gaza, saying it was 
part of routine searches, while Hamas insisted the men were "unarmed 
civilians".

Footage of the men stripped down to their underwear, with some of them 
appearing to hand over weapons, was aired by Israeli media on Thursday, 
reporting the alleged surrender of Hamas militants.

Israel launched an intense military campaign targeting Hamas in the Gaza 
Strip, in response to the militant group's deadly October 7 attacks on 
southern Israel.

The latest video clips have already circulated and sparked outrage on social 
media. A preliminary AFP Factcheck review suggested one of the scenes was 
filmed in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, though geolocating the 
footage precisely was difficult.

The arm of a soldier appeared in the foreground in one clip, suggesting it 
was filmed by a member of the military.

In another clip, of which AFP was unable to confirm the location, a group of 
blindfolded men are seen sitting with their hands tied behind their backs as 
Israeli soldiers watch them.

Hamas on Sunday countered the reported Israeli claims, saying the men were 
not militants of its armed wing, Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades.

"The (Israeli) occupation's claims that they are from al-Qassam Brigades are 
unfounded lies," said Izzat al-Rishq, a senior member of the Hamas political 
bureau.

"The Zionist occupation published images and scenes of unarmed civilians in 
Gaza, after they were detained and weapons were placed next to them, which is 
nothing but a chapter out of the occupation's ridiculous and obvious ploy to 
manufacture an alleged victory over the men of the resistance."

The Israeli army said it often strips people it deems could pose a threat to 
ensure they do not carry arms or explosives.

Troops in Gaza detain and question individuals suspected of involvement in 
"terrorist activity", the army said in a statement.

"Individuals who are found not to be taking part in terrorist activities are 
released," it added, saying that the detainees are treated in accordance with 
international law.

"It is often necessary for terror suspects to hand over their clothes such 
that their clothes can be searched and to ensure that they are not concealing 
explosive vests or other weaponry," it said.

Asked about the images at a briefing earlier this week, Israeli military 
spokesman Daniel Hagari said "terrorists were surrendering".

London-based Arabic language news outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed said on Thursday 
that among those Palestinians stripped down to their underwear was its 
reporter Diaa al-Kahlout and members of his family.