Israel’s army has dismissed outcry over footage showing scores of stripped Palestinians in Gaza, saying it was part of routine searches, while Hamas insisted the men were “unarmed civilians”, AFP reports.

The Israeli army said it often strips people it deems could pose a threat to ensure they do not carry arms or explosives.

Troops in Gaza detain and question individuals suspected of involvement in “terrorist activity”, the army said in a statement.

“Individuals who are found not to be taking part in terrorist activities are released,” it added, saying that the detainees are treated in accordance with international law.

“It is often necessary for terror suspects to hand over their clothes such that their clothes can be searched and to ensure that they are not concealing explosive vests or other weaponry,” it said.