Palestinian women recount ‘journey of horror’ at Gaza’s Rafah crossing | Gaza News
Palestinian Women Share Experiences at Rafah Border Crossing
Palestinian women described a distressing ordeal upon their return to Gaza from Egypt, passing through the reopened Rafah border crossing. The experiences recounted included being separated from their children, handcuffed, blindfolded, and interrogated for hours under duress by Israeli military personnel.
On Monday, only 12 individuals—three women and nine children—were allowed entry into Gaza, according to Al Jazeera reporter Ibrahim Al Khalili, who reported from Khan Younis in southern Gaza. The returnees described their journey as “long and exhausting,” rife with uncertainty and fear.
The small group faced stringent security measures enforced by Israeli forces, who control access at the Rafah crossing. “They took everything from us—food, drinks—allowing us to keep only one bag,” said one returnee, detailing her experience to Al Jazeera.
Another returnee described how she was blindfolded upon arrival. “They interrogated me in the first tent, asking why I wanted to enter Gaza. I explained that I wanted to see my children and return home. They pressured me psychologically, attempting to separate me from my children,” she said. After being questioned for three hours, she was finally allowed to board a bus and was subsequently united with her family at Nasser Hospital.
Huda Abu Abed, 56, conveyed to Reuters that passing through the Rafah border was a “journey of horror, humiliation and oppression.” Her account echoed those of other women who reported being subjected to similar treatment including lengthy interrogations by Israeli forces.
On Monday, expectations were that 50 individuals would be permitted to cross into Gaza, yet only 12 ultimately did. In contrast, only five individuals—patients requiring medical treatment—managed to cross into Egypt from Gaza the same day, amidst reports of long wait times and rigorous inspections.
On Tuesday, an additional 16 Palestinian patients were allowed to enter Egypt via the Rafah crossing, Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary reported from Khan Younis. The figures remain substantially below the anticipated number set by Israeli officials, who had indicated that 50 people would be permitted to cross daily in both directions.
“There is no explanation as to why crossings are being delayed at Rafah,” Khoudary noted. She emphasized the pressing need, stating that approximately 20,000 people are currently awaiting urgent medical attention abroad.
