Palestinians Tormented At Rafah Crossing
A first-hand account reveals the extraordinary difficulties facing Palestinians at the Rafah crossing on the Egypt-Gaza border.
For Palestinians living inside the Gaza Strip, getting past the Rafah border crossing is almost an unattainable goal. I have experienced the humiliating conditions at the Rafah crossing several times recently.
My most recent journey through the Rafah crossing both ways further instilled in me the belief that the Gaza Strip is no ordinary place, regardless of how stable and quiet the surface appears to external observers.
On my way out of the Gaza Strip, I was turned back twice on May 17 and 18 as Egyptian police sealed off the crossing in reaction to the abduction of seven Egyptian security personnel.
While passengers were scattered in and around the Palestinian terminal, some lying on the grass puffing at cigarettes, some praying while others took a nap, the fate of many medical patients, children, students and businessmen was squarely placed at the mercy of the Egyptian police.
