Hamas alleges abuse, collective punishment at Rafah crossing, Gaza exit still remains restricted
Gaza: Hamas on Tuesday accused Israeli authorities of subjecting Palestinians returning to Gaza through the Rafah crossing to mistreatment, abuse and extortion, describing the alleged actions as collective punishment rather than routine border procedures.
In a statement, the Palestinian group claimed that testimonies from travellers pointed to practices such as the detention of women, blindfolding, prolonged interrogations, threats involving children and attempts to coerce individuals into collaboration. Hamas said these actions were intended to instil fear and discourage Palestinians from returning to their homes, and called on international human rights organisations to document the alleged violations, as reported by AL Jazeera.
The allegations come amid continued uncertainty over the functioning of the Rafah crossing, which reopened on Monday after nearly two years of closure. According to reports, around 135 Palestinians have reached the crossing seeking permission to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment, though only a small number have been allowed to exit so far.
On the first day of reopening, Israel permitted only five critically ill patients to cross into Egypt. On Tuesday, a limited number of additional patients were reportedly allowed to leave, while the return of Palestinians to Gaza has also remained slow and unclear.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed concern over the lack of clarity surrounding the crossing’s operations. ICRC spokesperson Pat Griffiths said the uncertainty was compounding the suffering of Palestinians who have already endured prolonged trauma, noting that many expressed a desire to return to normal life despite understanding that recovery would take considerable time.
Journalists reporting from southern Gaza told Al Jazeera that families were anxiously waiting for relatives separated for years, with little information on who would be allowed to cross or return. Restrictions at the crossing, including limits on personal belongings and lengthy screening processes, have further added to delays.
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Who resigned from BJP when scams happened during their tenure? DK Shivakumar questions BJP
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday alleged that irregularities in PSI recruitment took place during the BJP’s tenure and questioned why no one had resigned from the government at that time. He accused BJP leaders of targeting a Dalit minister with baseless allegations.
Speaking to reporters in the Vidhana Soudha premises, Shivakumar responded to BJP leaders demanding the resignation of Minister R.B. Timmapur. He said Timmapur had merely spoken about the corruption that occurred during the BJP government. “The BJP has no evidence to support its allegations. These are false charges. The opposition is trying to stay politically relevant,” he said.
Shivakumar dismissed the BJP’s objections to a discussion on the MGNREGA scheme, saying the party was indulging in drama to divert attention. “Let them debate the new law they brought in. They have no substance to discuss, so they are trying to shift the focus,” he said.
He added that the BJP was uncomfortable with discussions on the benefits of MGNREGA. “Under the original Act, gram panchayats had the authority to decide works in their areas. Under the BJP’s revised scheme, decisions are being centralised. Let BJP leaders explain how many cattle sheds can be built or how much agricultural land can be levelled in each village under their model,” he challenged.
Shivakumar further claimed that the new law was impractical in BJP-ruled states and said the Congress had documents to back this claim. “Let them come for a discussion. We are ready,” he said.
