"Palestinians have described the harrowing treatment they experienced at the crossing. Additional interviews with returnees upon arrival reveal that travelers received two distinct messages from the authorities with whom they interacted during the journey. The first appeared to come from the Egyptian side, who urged travelers to remain in Gaza and reject all offers of emigration. The second seemed to have been planted by the Israelis, particularly through interrogation rooms."
"Gaza now belongs to Israel, and Palestinians will inevitably be forced out of the Strip - "even if it takes twenty years," according to statements attributed to Israeli interrogators. Every Palestinian making the journey must undergo mandatory questioning, in which Israeli officers alternate between aggressive intimidation tactics and feigned concern and helpfulness."
"Palestinians returning to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing report systematic harassment, beatings, torture, and being told to leave Gaza with their families by Israeli border agents. Returnees who spoke to Mondoweiss described how Israeli authorities subjected them to hours of intensive interrogation, during which they attempted to recruit some travelers as informants."
As the Rafah crossing resumed operations in late January after closure since May 2024, Palestinians returning from Egypt report severe mistreatment by Israeli border authorities. Returnees describe hours of intensive interrogation, physical abuse, and beatings during mandatory questioning. Israeli interrogators allegedly told detainees that Gaza now belongs to Israel and Palestinians will be forced out, even if it takes twenty years. Travelers were subjected to aggressive intimidation tactics alternating with feigned concern, detained for extended periods with bound hands and blindfolded eyes. Egyptian authorities conveyed opposite messages, urging Palestinians to remain in Gaza and reject emigration offers.
Read at Truthout
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