UN reveals violations against Gaza returnees
The UN Human Rights Office expressed concern over reports that Palestinians returning to Gaza were subjected to physical violence, threats, and searches by occupation soldiers, and had their property confiscated. Of 92 returnees on a single day in July, 54 reported confiscation of their belongings, including medicine and documents. The office called for respect for the rights and dignity of returnees and protection of their property.
The UN Human Rights Office in the occupied Palestinian territory expressed concern over the growing number of reports from Palestinians returning to the Gaza Strip, describing physical violence, threats, humiliating treatment, and searches by Israeli occupation soldiers. The office said it had received widespread reports of confiscation of medicine, medical supplies, personal documents, educational certificates, money, and other personal belongings, with no clear mechanism for owners to recover them. It noted that 54 out of 92 Palestinian returnees on a single day in July reported that some or all of their personal property was confiscated, including medicine and assistive devices. The office said these accounts match concerns previously documented during earlier crossings, with returnees describing verbal abuse, intimidation, interrogations, and violent treatment, as well as confiscation or theft of their luggage contents. The office stressed that the continuation of these reports raises serious concerns about the treatment of Palestinians during crossings and called for ensuring respect for their rights and dignity and protection of their personal property.