Gaza toddler released from Israeli custody with 'cigarette burn' wounds

A Palestinian toddler was returned from a 10-hour detention by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip with apparent cigarette burns on his thighs, according to medical reports. Jawad Abu Nassar, aged 21 months, was detained alongside his father, Osama Abu Nassar, 25, in central Gaza on 19 March. According to the family, Osama had taken his son out to buy sweets ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the child's return, but the father remains in custody. Medical reports from al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital confirmed wounds around both knees consistent with cigarette marks and a deep wound to the calf. The Israeli military (IDF) denied the abuse claims, alleging the child was used as a human shield by a Hamas operative and received medical care while in their custody.