Hamas says ‘Israel’ abuses travelers at Rafah Crossing

• Hamas accused ‘Israel’ of sabotaging the Rafah crossing by allowing only 27% of agreed-upon travelers to pass, describing the restrictions and alleged abuse, including harsh interrogations and torture of travelers, as a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.
• Spokesperson Hazem Qassem called on international mediators to compel ‘Israel’ to adhere to the terms of the Trump-brokered truce plan, which demands the reopening of the crossing to alleviate dire humanitarian conditions after years of conflict.

Hamas on Wednesday accused ‘Israel’ of placing deliberate obstacles to the movement of travelers through the Rafah border Crossing, calling the measures a clear and blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and international law.

Reduced numbers, alleged abuse

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said ‘Israel’ allowed the departure of only 27% percent of the numbers agreed upon.

He added that the restrictions went beyond denial of passage, citing what he described as severe humanitarian suffering among travelers.

Qassem said that travelers were subjected to harsh interrogations, torture, and ongoing harassment by ‘Israeli’ soldiers during transit.

Appeal to mediators

In his statement, Qassem issued an urgent appeal to mediators and guarantor states, urging them to intervene to compel ‘Israel’ to implement the agreed terms related to the Rafah Crossing and to halt what he described as widespread violations affecting all components of the truce agreement.
Opening of Rafah Border Crossing

The reopening, demanded by the United Nations and aid groups, is a key part of the second phase of US President Donald Trump's truce plan for Gaza, where humanitarian conditions remain dire after two years of assault.

The partial resumption of operations at the crossing comes after ‘Israeli’ forces seized control of the gateway to Egypt in May 2024 during the assault on Gaza.