The reopening of the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza, intended to offer relief to the territory’s residents, reportedly began with a harrowing experience for some of the first Palestinians allowed to return home.
Allegations of Mistreatment
On Tuesday, three women who crossed into Gaza on Monday told The Associated Press they were blindfolded and handcuffed by Israeli troops, then subjected to hours of interrogation, threats, and what they described as humiliating treatment before being released. The women were among the 12 Palestinians – primarily women, children, and the elderly – who entered Gaza through the newly reopened Rafah crossing after it had been largely closed since May 2024, when Israeli forces seized control.
Rotana al-Regeb, one of the women, recounted that she and her mother, Huda Abu Abed, who was seeking medical treatment abroad, were searched by members of the Popular Forces – a militia founded by the late Yasser Abu Shabab – after arriving in the military zone. Al-Regeb described finding her mother kneeling, blindfolded and handcuffed, upon entering an interrogation room. She herself was then subjected to similar treatment and questioned about Hamas.
Sabah al-Qara, a 57-year-old who had been receiving medical care in Egypt since December 2023, corroborated the accounts, stating she was also handcuffed, blindfolded, and interrogated, and felt “humiliated” by the Israelis.
The Israeli military responded to the reports, stating, “No incidents of inappropriate conduct, mistreatment, apprehensions, or confiscation of property by the Israeli security establishment are known.” The Shin Bet security agency and COGAT, the military body overseeing humanitarian aid in Gaza, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A Difficult Return
The returnees faced additional challenges beyond the alleged mistreatment. According to al-Regeb, only one bus carrying 12 people was permitted to cross on Monday, despite 42 patients and relatives being prepared to enter. Upon reaching the Gazan side, the European team searched their luggage, confiscating gifts, mobile phones, food, and games, allowing them to carry only the clothes on their backs and one bag each.
The women were eventually transported by UN buses to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, arriving at 1 a.m. on Tuesday. Al-Regeb expressed relief at being reunited with her family, stating, “Thank God that I have returned and found my loved ones.”
Hamas condemned the alleged abuse as “fascist behavior and organized terrorism,” calling for immediate action from mediators to ensure the safety and freedom of travelers.
More than 110,000 Palestinians left Gaza in the initial months of the war, and approximately 30,000 have registered with the Palestinian Embassy in Egypt to return, though Israeli officials have indicated they will allow only around 50 Palestinians to enter Gaza each day. On Monday, only 12 people crossed in each direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened when the Rafah crossing reopened?
The reopening of the Rafah crossing, intended to provide relief to Gaza, reportedly began with allegations that Israeli troops blindfolded, handcuffed, interrogated, and threatened three women returning to Gaza.
How many Palestinians were allowed to cross on the first day?
Only 12 Palestinians were allowed to cross into Gaza on Monday, despite 42 patients and relatives being prepared to enter.
What did the Israeli military say in response to the allegations?
The Israeli military stated, “No incidents of inappropriate conduct, mistreatment, apprehensions, or confiscation of property by the Israeli security establishment are known.”
Given the initial reports of mistreatment and the limited number of people allowed to cross, what impact might this have on future attempts to return to Gaza?
