Gaza Woman Recounts Humiliating Return Journey Through Rafah Crossing

Journey of Suffering

• 56-year-old Huda Abu Abed described her return to Gaza after a year of medical treatment in Egypt as a journey marked by suffering and humiliation.
• She recounted being blindfolded, having her hands tied, and being questioned by Israeli forces for over two hours about Hamas and militancy.

Rafah Crossing Restrictions

• Abu Abed stated that Palestinian Authority officials at the crossing confiscated essential items, including medicine, children's toys, and a tablet.
• Returnees were limited to one suitcase each, with many personal belongings being taken.
• Movement out of Gaza was also severely restricted, with only a small number of patients and relatives allowed to cross into Egypt.

Israeli Military Response

• Israel's military denied mistreatment, stating that an identification and screening process was conducted at a facility managed by the security establishment.
• They asserted that the process followed screening by European personnel as part of an agreed-upon mechanism.

Significance of Rafah Crossing

• The Rafah crossing is the primary route in and out of Gaza for its over two million residents and has been largely closed during the war.
• The city of Rafah, once home to a quarter of a million people, was largely emptied during Israel's offensive.

Return Despite Unfinished Treatment

• Abu Abed returned home despite not having completed her heart treatment, driven by a deep longing for her family and homeland.
• She emphasized that despite the hardships, there is no place like home, and the desire to be with family outweighs the difficulties.