Palestinian medic and ambulance worker Tarek Rabie Safi, recently freed as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, has alleged that he suffered physical abuse and severe malnutrition during nearly a year in Israeli captivity.

Safi, a 39-year-old father of two, was among 369 Palestinian detainees released on Saturday, following Hamas’ release of three Israeli hostages from Gaza. Both Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages have reported mistreatment by their captors.

“I was held by the Israeli army in the Gaza ‘envelope,’ at Sde Teiman, for four months. I endured physical torture and starvation,” Safi said, appearing visibly frail. “There was no proper food, water, or medical care. My arm was broken, but they neither treated me nor allowed a doctor to examine me.”

Safi further claimed that another detainee, Mussab Haniyeh, had died due to inhumane conditions. “He was strong, but lack of food, water, and continuous torture led to his death before our eyes,” he recounted.

The Israeli military denied the allegations, stating in an emailed response to Reuters that detainees receive regular meals, drinking water, and medical care, with access to advanced facilities if needed. It also acknowledged reports of detainee deaths but said investigations were ongoing.

The Palestinian Prisoner Association accused Israel of committing “systematic crimes and revenge attacks” against detainees, particularly in the Ofer prison in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The association’s head, Abdullah al-Zaghari, claimed they had documented horrific testimonies, including severe beatings and prolonged shackling without food or water.

Human rights group Amnesty International previously reported that 27 released detainees consistently described experiencing torture at least once during their detention. Reuters has not independently verified the claims.