Gaza City, Gaza Strip – Hamas has accused Israeli authorities of “systematic abuse” against Palestinians crossing the Rafah border crossing, the sole remaining passage for people entering and exiting the Gaza Strip. The allegations, made public on Monday, center on claims of physical and psychological mistreatment, hostile interrogations, and violations of agreed-upon protocols within the current ceasefire agreement. The Rafah crossing has become a critical point of contention as international efforts focus on delivering aid and facilitating the evacuation of wounded civilians from the besieged enclave.
The accusations come as the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, the United States, and other regional actors, faces challenges. Hamas alleges that Israel is failing to meet daily quotas for the passage of individuals, jeopardizing the lives of thousands of patients and injured people awaiting medical attention outside of Gaza. The situation at Rafah underscores the fragility of the truce and the ongoing difficulties in providing humanitarian assistance to the territory.
According to a statement released by the Palestinian militant group, Israeli forces are also allegedly utilizing “bands of outlaws and militias” to interrogate, intimidate, and threaten those returning to Gaza. These claims, if substantiated, raise serious concerns about the rule of law and the protection of civilians at the border crossing. Hamas is calling on international mediators and guarantors of the agreement to urgently intervene to ensure the Rafah crossing operates in accordance with international humanitarian standards.
The Hamas-controlled government in Gaza reports that, since the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing on February 2nd, 455 individuals have exited the Gaza Strip, while 356 have entered, and 26 have returned after previously leaving. However, these figures fall significantly short of the anticipated 2,800 crossings in both directions, representing a compliance rate of just 29 percent, according to the Gaza government’s calculations. This discrepancy is at the heart of Hamas’s complaints.
Israel confirmed on Sunday the evacuation of approximately 320 patients and their accompanying caregivers through the Rafah crossing, as reported by The Times of Israel. However, the Gaza Ministry of Health estimates that around 20,000 patients are currently awaiting evacuation, including individuals suffering from severe conditions such as cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, and serious injuries. The limited capacity for evacuation, coupled with restrictions on the number of accompanying persons – currently limited to two per patient – is creating a significant bottleneck.
At the current rate of evacuation, with priority given to the wounded, it would capture approximately 187 weeks, or more than three and a half years, to evacuate all those in need of medical care from Gaza, according to estimates from the Gaza Ministry of Health. This slow pace highlights the urgent need for increased capacity and streamlined procedures at the Rafah crossing.
The Rafah crossing’s operation is now overseen by the Palestinian Authority (PA), with employees moving to the Egyptian-Palestinian border to assume their duties, as reported by the Associated Press. This shift is part of a U.S.-brokered peace plan aimed at establishing a more sustainable framework for managing the border and facilitating the flow of people, and goods. President Mahmoud Abbas has stated the PA is ready to assume “full responsibility” in post-war Gaza, according to The Times of Israel, though the role of Hamas remains a key point of contention.
The current situation at Rafah reflects the complex political and logistical challenges facing the region. While the ceasefire agreement represents a step towards de-escalation, the allegations of abuse and the slow pace of evacuations underscore the need for continued international pressure on all parties to uphold their commitments and prioritize the well-being of civilians. The future of the Rafah crossing, and its ability to serve as a lifeline for the people of Gaza, remains uncertain.
Looking ahead, the effectiveness of the ceasefire agreement will depend on the ability of mediators to address these concerns and ensure the smooth and dignified passage of individuals through the Rafah crossing. The international community will be closely monitoring the situation, and further diplomatic efforts may be required to prevent a resurgence of violence and ensure the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid.
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