Israel Arrests Three Palestinians Returning to Gaza Through Rafah

Gaza, MINA – Israeli occupation forces arrested three Palestinians attempting to return to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing, the enclave’s Crossings and Borders Authority confirmed Thursday evening, amid growing concerns from human rights organizations over alleged arbitrary detentions and abuses targeting travelers, the Palestinian Information Center reports.

The detainees were identified as Shukri Nihad Kamel Ghazal, Mohammed Raed Munir al-Najjar, and Mohammed Kamal Kamel Aqila. The authority did not provide further information about the circumstances of their arrests or their current whereabouts, according to the Palestinian Information Center (PIC).

The arrests come as the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt continues to operate intermittently under strict restrictions and complicated procedures that limit Palestinian movement.

Palestinian human rights organizations have repeatedly raised concerns over the detention of Palestinians attempting to return to Gaza, including travelers who have received prior approval or whose names appear on authorized crossing lists.

In a statement issued on October 21, the Al-Dameer Association for Human Rights documented the arrests of seven Palestinians attempting to leave or return to Gaza. The detainees included two women, one of whom has cancer.

The organization said that questions remained unanswered in several cases regarding the detainees’ whereabouts, their fate, and the reasons for their arrests.

Al-Dameer warned that prior authorization to cross must not be used to lure travelers into detention without adequate legal safeguards. It said such practices undermine Palestinians’ right to return and freedom of movement.

The association also called on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to be granted access to detainees to establish their whereabouts and verify their detention conditions.

The Al Mezan Center for Human Rights has also warned that procedures at the Rafah crossing, including advance approvals, inspections, and extensive security checks, create opportunities for humiliation, intimidation, and arbitrary detention.

In previous reports, the United Nations Human Rights Office in the occupied Palestinian territory cited testimonies from Palestinians returning to Gaza who described mistreatment, threats, humiliating searches, and prolonged interrogations. Some also reported the confiscation of money, personal belongings, medications, and medical supplies.

Al-Dameer urged the international community, mediators, and parties guaranteeing the ceasefire agreement to intervene to prevent arbitrary arrests at border crossings.

The organization called for the disclosure of detainees’ whereabouts and fate, protection against mistreatment, and guarantees that Palestinians can travel to and return from Gaza safely without intimidation or violations of their fundamental rights.

The Rafah crossing has remained a critical and highly restricted gateway for Palestinians seeking to enter or leave Gaza. Its intermittent operation and strict crossing procedures have added to the difficulties faced by residents amid the territory’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.

According to Palestinian health authorities, the death toll in Gaza has reached 74,570 since the Israeli war began in October 2023.

The latest arrests have renewed concerns that Palestinians seeking to return home may face detention and mistreatment despite receiving authorization to cross.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)