Palestinian women share harrowing experiences at Gazas Rafah border crossing

Twelve Palestinian women and children were allowed to enter the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing on Monday, but their journey was marked by a series of security procedures imposed by Israeli forces.

According to reports from Al Jazeera and Reuters, the group of 12 individuals, including three women and nine children, passed through the crossing after being separated from their families. The women were blindfolded and handcuffed during the process, while also undergoing interrogation “under threat” for several hours.

One of the returnees described her experience as a “journey of horror,” stating that she was taken away from her mother and interrogated about her reasons for entering Gaza. She reported being subjected to psychological pressure and being asked political questions unrelated to her journey.

The Israeli military holds significant control over the Rafah crossing, determining when and if individuals will be allowed to return to their homes in the Palestinian territory. The group’s experience highlights the challenges faced by Palestinians attempting to re-enter Gaza through this crossing.

Only a small number of Palestinians were allowed to cross into Egypt on Monday, with only five patients and seven relatives managing to clear Israeli inspections. On Tuesday, 16 more patients were allowed to cross, but numbers remain significantly lower than the daily limit set by Israeli officials.

The Rafah border crossing has been reopened, but the process is taking an extended period of time, with many Palestinians waiting for urgent medical attention abroad.

Source: Al Jazeera