Palestinians returning to Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt said Israeli troops blindfolded, handcuffed, and interrogated them for several hours, in what they described as humiliating treatment, according to accounts from three women who crossed on Monday.
The women were among 12 Palestinians — mostly women, children, and the elderly — allowed to enter Gaza after Rafah reopened following months of closure. Israeli forces had seized the crossing in May 2024 during the Israel-Hamas war.
Rotana al-Regeb and her mother, Huda Abu Abed, told the Associated Press that after crossing Rafah, they were taken to a screening station in the Israeli-controlled area. Israeli soldiers and members of the Palestinian armed group Abu Shabab reportedly searched their belongings and then took them into a room for interrogation. “They threatened that I will be detained and won’t return to my children,” said al-Regeb, who has four daughters and a son. Her mother confirmed the account. Another returnee, 57-year-old Sabah al-Qara, gave a similar account.
The Israeli military denied any misconduct, stating, “No incidents of inappropriate conduct, mistreatment, apprehensions, or confiscation of property by the Israeli security establishment are known.” The Shin Bet intelligence agency and COGAT, which oversees humanitarian aid in Gaza, did not respond to requests for comment.
Returnees said Israeli authorities restricted what they could bring, including limiting liquids, electronics, and other personal items. Only one mobile phone and about $650 were allowed per person with prior declaration. Some luggage, including food, children’s games, and electronics, was confiscated at the crossing.
The ordeal followed a long day of waiting. Al-Regeb said 42 Palestinians completed paperwork in Egypt by 10 a.m., but only 12 were allowed through in one bus after a six-hour wait. Once released, U.N. buses transported them to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, where they arrived after midnight.
Hamas condemned the alleged treatment, calling it “fascist behavior and organized terrorism” and urged mediators to ensure the safety of travelers. Human rights groups and Palestinian officials warned that such abuses could discourage others from returning through Rafah.
More than 110,000 Palestinians left Gaza in the early months of the war, with thousands evacuated abroad for medical treatment. About 30,000 have registered to return through Rafah, but Israeli authorities have indicated that only around 50 Palestinians a day will be allowed back.