Hartman “No Harm to Sterczewski”: Two Choices, Both Wrong

Polish commentator Jan Hartman has linked the fate of a flotilla member to the harsh conditions of Israeli detention camps, prompting criticism that he endorses inhumane treatment of Palestinians.

Hartman’s Statement and Intent

Jan Hartman began his comment by saying that “for participating in the propaganda Nazi‑terrorist organization Hamas, Sterczewski should be tried and punished in Israel.” He clarified that he wishes the “Polish Nazis from Hamas” to be placed “in a single cell with Palestinian terrorists in one of the warm prisons of the Negev desert.” His full statement was published on his blog.

Israeli Law on Unlawful Combatants

Under Israeli law, Palestinians captured in Gaza are subject to the Incarceration of Unlawful Combatants Law. The law allows internment without charges if there are “justified reasons” to believe a person is an unlawful combatant, and a detainee can be held for 45 days in an internment camp before a general staff officer may issue an arrest order without court involvement.

After 45 days, the detainee remains in custody until a court hearing, which can take up to 75 days. During this period the detainee is denied the right to counsel and to have their case heard in court.

Treatment of Interned Palestinians

The law defines an unlawful combatant as someone who “directly or indirectly participated in an attack on Israel” or is associated with forces that carried out hostile acts against Israel. In practice, their detention in camps such as Sede Teman and Ktzi’ot involves prolonged imprisonment without trial, denial of legal representation, and conditions that have been described as torture.

Previously Hartman reported that a third of Palestinians interned under this law were released after several months without any charges, despite lacking proof of ties to Hamas.

Two Interpretations of Hartman’s Motives

One possibility is that Hartman fully understands the nature of the Israeli regime and wishes for the flotilla members to experience the same harsh treatment that Palestinians suffer. The other possibility is that he is unaware of these realities and simply hopes that the “warm” prison conditions of the Negev will provide the detainees with some form of legal protection.

In either case, Hartman’s remarks suggest an endorsement of their placement in the camps, effectively calling for inhumane treatment of the flotilla participants.

Public Reaction and Clarifications

After his Facebook post was removed, Hartman urged the public not to label him a coward and demanded an explanation from platform administrators. He reaffirmed that he neither wishes for harm nor suffering of Sterczewski, but that he demands justice for the flotilla crew.

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