SAFA — Israeli forces have arrested three Palestinians attempting to return to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing, raising renewed concerns that the crossing is being used to detain and interrogate Palestinians rather than provide a safe passage home.

The Gaza Crossings and Borders Authority confirmed late Thursday that the three detainees were Shukri Nihad Kamel Ghazal, Mohammed Raed Muneer al-Najjar and Mohammed Kamal Kamel Okaila.

The authority did not disclose the circumstances of their arrests or their current whereabouts.

The detentions come amid severe restrictions on movement through Rafah, Gaza's main land crossing with Egypt, where complex security procedures and intermittent operations have made travel increasingly difficult for Palestinians.

Human rights organizations warn that Palestinians attempting to reunite with their families or return to their homes face the risk of arrest, interrogation and detention, even after obtaining the required travel approvals.

Seven Palestinians Previously Arrested, Including Cancer Patient

The latest arrests follow warnings from Palestinian human rights organizations about a growing pattern of detentions at Rafah.

In an October 21 statement, the Gaza-based Al-Dameer Association for Human Rights said it had documented the arrest of seven Palestinians attempting to enter or leave Gaza.

Among those detained were two women, including a cancer patient.

The organization expressed serious concerns about the whereabouts and fate of some detainees, as well as the absence of clear explanations for their arrests.

Al-Dameer warned that prior security approval must not become a means of luring Palestinians into detention without legal safeguards.

It stressed that such practices violate Palestinians' rights to freedom of movement and safe return.

The organization called for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to be granted access to detainees to verify their locations, conditions and treatment.

Rights Groups Warn of Humiliation and Arbitrary Detention

The Al Mezan Center for Human Rights has also raised concerns about the extensive security screening imposed on Palestinians traveling through Rafah.

According to the organization, prior permits, intensive vetting and multiple layers of inspection expose civilians to degrading treatment, intimidation and arbitrary detention without clear time limits.

These procedures add further hardship to Palestinians already facing difficult and costly journeys.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has previously documented testimonies from Palestinians returning to Gaza who described threats, humiliating searches, prolonged interrogations and mistreatment.

Some returnees also reported the confiscation of money, personal belongings, medications and medical supplies.

Rights organizations warn that these practices are making it increasingly difficult for Palestinians to return safely to Gaza, where families are already struggling with displacement, destruction and severe humanitarian conditions.

Calls for International Intervention

Al-Dameer urged the international community, ceasefire mediators and guarantor parties to intervene and ensure that Palestinian civilians can travel without facing arbitrary arrest or abuse.

The organization demanded full disclosure of the fate and whereabouts of all detainees, protection against mistreatment and guarantees that Palestinians will not be detained simply for attempting to enter or leave Gaza.

It also called for stronger safeguards at border crossings and unrestricted access for humanitarian organizations responsible for monitoring detainees' conditions.

The arrests of the three returning Palestinians have intensified fears that Rafah, a crossing intended to reconnect families and facilitate essential travel, is becoming another place where Palestinians face detention and uncertainty instead of a safe journey home.