'They spat in my face': Palestinians describe abuse at Gaza crossings

What Happened

Since the partial reopening of the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing under the October 2025 ceasefire, Palestinian travellers—including students holding valid travel permits—have reported systematic abuse by Israeli forces. Mahmoud al-Najjar, 38, a Palestinian scholar with an Italian scholarship, was arrested at the crossing in early June while travelling with a group coordinated by the Italian embassy. According to his family and witnesses, he was taken for interrogation and has been held incommunicado; Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights later confirmed he was in Ashkelon prison with a visitation ban until 15 June, but after that date no human rights organisation was able to reach him. His family received no official notification of his arrest or status. Another student, using the pseudonym Mohammed Ahmed, told Middle East Eye that a colleague with a similar name was interrogated, stripped, beaten, and humiliated after being mistaken for a journalist. Multiple other travellers have reportedly faced comparable abuse but refuse to speak publicly due to fear of reprisal. The Gaza government media office stated that only about 7,000 of 19,600 applicants—mostly patients and wounded—have been allowed to travel through Rafah since its partial reopening, following Israeli security screening. Israeli authorities have not commented on the allegations.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The reported pattern of abuse and arbitrary detention at Gaza crossings contradicts the humanitarian provisions of the ceasefire and restricts freedom of movement for civilians, including scholarship recipients and medical patients. These practices, if substantiated, risk deepening Palestinian grievances, undermining efforts to stabilise post-war Gaza, and drawing diplomatic pressure from states whose citizens or beneficiaries are affected. Al-Najjar’s case, directly involving an Italian embassy-coordinated trip, may test international tolerance for Israeli border conduct.

Watch For

Any Israeli official response to the allegations; whether Italian diplomatic or university intervention secures al-Najjar’s release or clarification; new testimonies from other graduates or patients that could trigger human rights investigations or international pressure; and updated crossing statistics from the Gaza government media office indicating changes in movement restrictions.