People ‘detained in their underwear in Gaza stadium’

Footage shared from Gaza City appears to show Israeli soldiers rounding up a group of men stripped down to their underwear.

The video shows a group of men – and some males who may be children – in the middle of a run-down stadium, seemingly being directed by armed soldiers.

The groups walk to the centre of the pitch, wearing only boxer shorts, and stand in short lines of about four or five people each.

Some hold their hands in the air or over their head.

Sky News has geolocated this video to the Yarmouk Stadium in Gaza City but cannot verify when it was filmed or what happened to the detainees.

The Israel Defence Forces has not denied the video is authentic.

In response to a request for comment, the IDF said: “The IDF is currently operating, as part of the efforts to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities, and to rescue the hostages brutally kidnapped by the Hamas’ terrorist organisation.

“As part of the IDF activity in the combat area, individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist activity are being detained and questioned. Individuals who are found not to be taking part in terrorist activities are released.

“The individuals detained 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.

“Clothes are not immediately returned to the detainees, due to the suspicion they may conceal means that can be used for hostile purposes (such as knives). Detainees are given back their clothes when it’s possible to do so.”

It is not the first time such footage has been shared that appears to show Israeli soldiers rounding up men in Gaza.

Earlier this month, video showed a row of men – some wearing only underwear – sat down in a war-torn street in northern Gaza.

Some of those held in a group claimed they had been beaten and denied food and water.

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