Khan Younis: The reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt this week, heralded by Palestinian officials as a "window of hope" following two years of war, has been marred by logistical disagreements, severe restrictions, and allegations of mistreatment by travelers. Despite a fragile ceasefire deal enabling the move, movement remains far below expected levels.
Under the restrictions negotiated by Israeli, Egyptian, Palestinian, and international officials, a daily quota was set: 50 people allowed to return to Gaza, and 50 medical patients (plus two companions each) allowed to leave for Egypt. However, United Nations data reveals that over the first four days of operations, only 36 patients and 62 companions managed to exit. This falls drastically short of the need, with Palestinian officials estimating that nearly 20,000 people in the war-shattered territory require urgent medical care unavailable domestically.
The process has been plagued by delays and confusion, leading to reported closures on Friday and Saturday. The Rafah crossing serves as a vital lifeline, being the only link to the outside world not directly controlled by Israel, though Israel has maintained significant oversight since seizing the area in May 2024.
Travelers returning to Gaza have reported harsh conditions. Several women recounted being detained for hours, blindfolded, and handcuffed by Israeli authorities during the screening process. Rana al-Louh, who returned after fleeing to Egypt two years ago, described an interrogation lasting over six hours where she was questioned about her motives for returning to a conflict zone.
“I told them I returned to Palestine because my husband and kids are there," Rana al-Louh said. She alleged interrogators told her "the war would return" and that Gaza belonged to Israel.
Responding to these claims, the Israeli military stated that " no incidents of inappropriate conduct, mistreatment, apprehensions or confiscation of property by the Israeli security establishment are known." However, UN human rights officials have noted a "consistent pattern of ill-treatment, abuse and humiliation by Israeli military forces." Ajith Sunghay, the agency’s human rights chief for the occupied Palestinian territories, emphasized that safe and dignified return is the "bare minimum" required after years of devastation.
The reopening was intended as a pilot program, but challenges emerged immediately. On the first day, logistical hurdles prevented the World Health Organization from transporting all approved patients, resulting in only 12 departures. Israeli officials subsequently restricted entries into Gaza to match that number, stranding others on the Egyptian side overnight.
Delays were further exacerbated by strict luggage restrictions. Travelers are limited to one mobile phone and small amounts of declared cash, with bans on liquids including water. Operational bottlenecks meant that for every Palestinian admitted to Egypt, only one was allowed into Gaza, dragging the process late into the night. On Wednesday, a bus of returnees did not reach its destination until nearly 2:00 am the following day.
Despite the "journey of suffering," as described by returnee Siham Omran, many remain grateful. After being separated from her husband and children for 20 months, Omran expressed relief upon reaching a Gaza hospital: "Thank God we have returned to our country, our homes, and our homeland."
(Inputs from AP)