As the situation in Gaza remains critical, the recent return of Palestinians through the Rafah crossing underscores the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by the region. Although the crossing has partially reopened, the obstacles and scrutinies imposed by Israeli authorities highlight the persistent complexities surrounding movement and medical needs for Gaza’s citizens. This continuing struggle for basic rights and safety serves as a stark reminder of the broader socio-political context that defines Palestinian lives today.
On Tuesday evening, 41 Palestinians arrived in Gaza via the Rafah crossing, marking the seventh group to return since the partial reopening of this vital transit point earlier in the month. According to reports from an on-site team from ZezapTV, the returnees traveled on World Health Organization buses and were promptly taken to the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis.
Like those who previously made this journey, the returnees recounted experiences of strenuous searches and interrogations by the Israeli military, which controls the Palestinian side of the crossing. The Rafah crossing, bordering Egypt, is the only means of entry or exit for over two million residents in Gaza. It was largely closed by Israeli authorities during the recent conflict and only reopened partially on February 2 as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal. This agreement allowed for limited travel of pre-approved individuals and provided a critical pathway for stranded Palestinians and those requiring essential medical treatment abroad.
Since the crossing’s reopening, 172 Palestinians have returned to Gaza, whereas only 250 individuals, primarily patients and their companions, have been allowed to leave, as reported by Gaza’s Government Media Office. The pace of medical evacuations has shown a disturbing lag behind the promised numbers, with the agreement stipulating that 50 patients should be evacuated daily alongside two family members. This figure falls woefully short considering the approximately 20,000 individuals requiring medical assistance outside Gaza due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the recent conflict.
Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure has suffered catastrophic losses, with 22 hospitals rendered non-operational and around 1,700 medical personnel reported killed during the conflict, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Amidst these challenges, the specter of violence continues to loom over the region. Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling have persisted, targeting areas under Israeli military control near Khan Younis despite the recent ceasefire agreement. On Wednesday, attacks were reported in several parts of Gaza, resulting in multiple fatalities, including at least three individuals who lost their lives due to Israeli shelling.
Simultaneously, Israeli authorities announced the approval of forced expulsions of two Palestinian citizens convicted of crimes. This development, seen as unprecedented by rights groups, involves the deportation of individuals to Gaza upon the completion of their sentences, a move framed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an effort to expel those he deems threats.
Critics of the Israeli government’s decision view it as a direct assault on the rights of Palestinian citizens, where the revocation of citizenship transforms a fundamental human right into a conditional privilege at the discretion of state authorities. Adalah, the legal center for Palestinian rights, characterized the deportation orders as significantly undermining citizenship protection and causing an unintentional path toward statelessness for the individuals involved.
Furthermore, legal experts stress that this unprecedented action violates international standards against statelessness, effectively erasing the identity and rights of those affected, limiting their access to essential services and social recognition. As the complexities in Gaza continue to evolve, the eyes of the international community remain focused on the fragile humanitarian situation and the quest for justice and peace in the region.
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