IDF acknowledges marking Palestinian detainees with numbers, says: ‘Lessons have been learned’

The IDF responds to footage published yesterday showing a Palestinian man with a number marked on his forehead.

“Yesterday, during a brigade-level operation in the village of Qabatiya in the Menashe region, security forces marked suspects who were questioned as part of the operation. Commanders made clear to the troops the seriousness of the act, and lessons have been learned,” it says.

The IDF’s comment was similar to one it made in April after numbers were seen marked on the hands of Palestinians as they entered a military-controlled refugee camp.

In April, footage emerged showing Palestinian women with numbers marked on their hands as they entered the IDF-controlled Jenin refugee camp to collect belongings.

At the time, the IDF said the markings were made at the Palestinians’ initiative, but nevertheless described the practice as “an error in judgment,” adding that “procedures were clarified and lessons were learned.”

HORRIFIC: Israeli soldiers wrote identification numbers directly on the foreheads of Palestinian men in Qabatya, in the West Bank, before interrogating them. pic.twitter.com/Lyl0y7VSPt

— Ihab Hassan (@IhabHassane) August 17, 2026