Gaza Family Says Toddler Released from Israeli Custody Had Cigarette Burns

On March 19, Osama Abu Nassar took his 18-month-old son Jawad to a supermarket in central Gaza when he was detained by the Israeli military.
Jawad had injuries on his legs that looked like punctures and cigarette burns when he was returned to his mother.
Waad al-Shafi’i did not know about her husband and son's condition until the International Committee of the Red Cross contacted her to pick Jawad up.
Al-Shafi'i said Jawad was wrapped in a thermal blanket, visibly shaken, with bloodstains on his sweatpants.
Al-Shafi'i said Jawad was in pain and couldn't bear her holding him.
Al-Shafi'i saw cigarette burns on Jawad's legs and said he was abused.
Activists say a Palestinian baby was hurt while in Israeli care.
Jawad's father remains in Israeli detention.
The Israel Defence Forces rejected the allegations of abuse.
The IDF said the child received care and was under their supervision until handed over to the Red Cross.
The IDF released a video of Jawad being handed over to the Red Cross.
A soldier said Jawad was stable and happy in the video.
Al-Shafi'i said Jawad could barely sleep and was in pain.
Al-Shafi'i took Jawad to the hospital, where doctors examined his wounds.
Doctors said Jawad's wounds were deep second-degree burns that caused tissue damage.
Al-Shafi'i said doctors determined Jawad's wounds were from torture.
Doctors found puncture wounds on Jawad's legs likely caused by a nail.
Jawad exhibited severe anxiety and was in a state of panic and fear.
The Red Cross helped facilitate Jawad's release from the IDF.
The Red Cross could not comment on Jawad's condition due to privacy reasons.
Al-Shafi'i said her husband was in psychological distress before he was detained.
An eyewitness saw Abu Nassar and Jawad heading to the supermarket near the barrier.
The eyewitness was confused when Abu Nassar turned towards the Israeli side.
The eyewitness said there was a lot of gunfire from the Israeli army.
Neighbours said a quadcopter drone ordered Abu Nassar to put Jawad down.
Abu Nassar was ordered to remove his clothes before being detained.
The IDF said its troops were operating on the Israeli side of the Yellow Line.
The IDF said Abu Nassar continued towards the forces despite warnings.
The IDF alleged Jawad was brought into a dangerous area as a human shield.
The IDF said Jawad's injuries were likely from gunfire.
A doctor said X-rays showed no foreign objects in Jawad's body.
The doctor said Jawad's injuries were consistent with cigarette burns.
Israel's offensive campaign in Gaza has killed over 72,000 Palestinians.
The IDF said Abu Nassar was taken to a military post and questioned.
Abu Nassar reportedly admitted to being a Hamas operative and entering Israeli territory.
Osama's father denied his son's involvement with Hamas.
The family has no information on Osama's condition.
A doctor called for urgent action from the Canadian government over Jawad's alleged abuse.
The doctor said such crimes and torture cannot be tolerated in a civilized world.