JAKARTA - Many hope that the reopening of the crossing to Gaza via Rafah can open a new page for the strongly restrained Palestinians, especially since the Israeli military aggression began in October 2023.
At least three women residents who entered Gaza through Rafah on the first day of the opening on Monday, February 2, admitted that the Israeli soldiers closed their eyes and handcuffed them, then interrogated and threatened the three of them.
The three told AP on Tuesday, February 3, that the Israeli soldiers then detained them for several hours until they were finally released. They said the Israeli soldiers' treatment was shameful.
The three women were among 12 Palestinians - mostly women, children and the elderly - who entered Gaza on Monday, February 2 through Rafah.
The Rafah crossing, which is adjacent to Egypt, was taken over by the Israeli military in May 2024. During the Israeli aggression on Gaza, Rafah was closed.
Asked about the bad treatment carried out by his soldiers on the Rafah border, the Israeli military denied it by saying, "There are no known incidents of inappropriate behavior, mistreatment, arrests, or seizure of property by the Israeli security services."
The Shin Bet intelligence agency and COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing humanitarian aid in Gaza, also chose to remain silent when asked about the women's allegations.
Based on the provisions for the reopening of Rafah after the Hamas-Israel ceasefire agreement, the border should be managed by the EU and Palestinian officials without the grip of the Israeli military.
Israel then decided to establish its inspection facility somewhat away from the Rafah border. The Israeli military claims that the facility is tasked with cross-checking the identity of people returning to Gaza with the Ministry of Defense list, and checking the belongings of the passers-by.
According to several people who crossed back into Gaza on Monday, February 2, Israeli authorities at the border prohibited border crossers from carrying any liquids, including drinking water.
Border crossers, including Palestinians, are required to submit documents approximately 24 hours before crossing the border if they want to be allowed by Israeli authorities to carry one mobile phone and 2,000 shekels, equivalent to about USD650.
According to instructions posted on the Palestinian side of the crossing and distributed to AP, other electronic and digital devices, as well as cigarettes, are not allowed.
Israel argues the checkpoints - both in Gaza and the occupied West Bank - are for security. However, Palestinians and human rights groups have long claimed Israel treats Palestinians crossing the border poorly and tries to gather information and recruit informants.
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