UN reports systematic abuse of Palestinians at Gaza's Rafah crossing

The United Nations human rights office has reported a systematic pattern of abuse and humiliation against Palestinian civilians returning to the Gaza Strip through the Israeli-controlled Rafah crossing. According to detailed testimonies gathered by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), returnees were subjected to violence, degrading treatment, and coercive offers that violate international law and fundamental human rights.

Pattern of abuse and coercion described

The OHCHR statement outlines a harrowing process. Upon crossing, returnees were reportedly taken by armed individuals backed by the Israeli military to a checkpoint. There, they described being bound, blindfolded, and subjected to invasive body searches while restrained. Soldiers denied some individuals access to toilets and medical care, leading to severe public humiliation. Furthermore, several reported being offered money in exchange for returning to Egypt permanently with their families or agreeing to work as informants for the Israeli army.

UN's legal assessment and condemnation

The UN rights office stated that these accounts collectively indicate violations of the rights to personal security, dignity, and protection from torture and cruel treatment. Office Director Ajith Sunghay warned that such coercive practices could deter Palestinians from exercising their right to return, potentially contributing to "the consolidation of ethnic cleansing in Gaza." He emphasized the international community's responsibility to ensure all actions comply with international law, stating that "their ability to return... safely and with dignity is the bare minimum."

Humanitarian response and ongoing crisis

UN agencies are providing immediate support at a reception center in Khan Younis, offering transport, medical care, and psychological aid to arriving returnees. Despite these efforts, the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza remains profound. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric noted that over 18,500 patients still require specialized treatment unavailable in the enclave, reiterating calls to reopen medical referral routes. The World Health Organization continues to facilitate limited patient evacuations while stressing the need to rebuild Gaza's decimated health system to reduce dependence on external transfers.