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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TN surpasses Gujarat, Maharashtra to become India''s top textile exporter
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu has emerged as India's top state in textile exports, recording shipments worth USD 7,997.17 million for the fiscal year 2024-25, which is an increase of 29.12 per cent over the last four years, the government said.
The state has witnessed a 29 per cent increase in export value in the last four years, an official release said.
In 2020-21, Tamil Nadu's textile exports stood at USD 6,193 million.
Chief Minister M K Stalin said Tamil Nadu has successfully outpaced competitors like Gujarat and Maharashtra to secure the first position.
"Tamil Nadu's export volume of textiles, which was USD 6,193.39 million in 2020-21 due to the planned actions of the Dravidian Model government, rose to USD 7,997.17 million in the next four years. Overall, in India's exports, Tamil Nadu accounts for 21.84 per cent," he wrote in a social media post.
As per the National-Import-Export Record for Yearly Analysis of Trade data, the value of textile goods shipped from India was USD 36,610 million, of which Tamil Nadu accounted for USD 7,997.17 million.
The National Import-Export Record for Yearly Analysis of Trade is a dedicated platform launched by the Centre to provide real-time comprehensive data on foreign trade.
"Tamil Nadu is in first place in India in textile export," the release said.
The state has emerged at the top with higher exports among all other states, the release said, adding that schemes implemented by every government department led to a multifaceted growth of the State.
Gujarat bagged the second rank with exports of USD 5,646.01 million followed by Maharashtra at USD 3,831.29 million, it added.
