Israel Deports Thousands of Palestinian Workers from Gaza

Israel has deported thousands of Palestinian workers from the Gaza Strip back to the besieged territory, following the recent Israel-Hamas war.

Thousands of Palestinian workers from the Gaza Strip were deported back to the besieged territory on Friday, according to Palestinian authorities. Many of the workers described their experiences as harrowing, claiming to have been trapped in legal limbo since their detention during the recent Israel-Hamas war.

Harrowing Weeks in Detention

Some workers who crossed the Israeli border, which had been sealed shut since Hamas' attack on southern Israel on October 7, alleged violent mistreatment by Israeli authorities in detention centers. The Israeli military has not yet responded to these allegations.

One of the workers, Wael al-Sajda, pointed to his ankle fitted with an identification bracelet and said, "We sacrificed and they treated us like livestock over there."

Permits Revoked

Al-Sajda was among the roughly 18,000 Palestinians from Gaza who were permitted to work in menial jobs in Israel. These permits were highly sought after in Gaza, where unemployment hovers around 50%. Israel began issuing the permits in recent years as a measure to stabilize Gaza and moderate Hamas, despite a broader blockade aimed at weakening the Islamic militant group.

On Thursday, Israel announced the revocation of the workers' permits and their subsequent deportation. Since the October 7 attack, in which Hamas militants stormed across the border, killed around 1,400 people, and kidnapped 240 others, Israel has remained largely silent about the workers.

Mass Roundup and Abuse Allegations

The workers who returned home on Friday spoke of a massive roundup and their placement in Israeli prisons. Some had visible bruises and wounds, which they attributed to abuse by Israeli authorities. Others returned with psychological scars.

One of the workers, 61-year-old Mansour Warsh Agha, was returned in a body bag. His nephew, Basim Abu Samara, said, "We just want answers about what happened. But Mansour has been killed so we don't know if we'll ever get them."

According to laborers who spoke to Agha's relatives in the northern city of Beit Lahiya, the ailing farmer was released in poor condition and subsequently died. His body showed signs of severe beating, but hospitals in Gaza were overwhelmed with war-wounded and unable to conduct an autopsy or issue a medical report.

Lack of Transparency and Legal Representation

Israeli rights groups have criticized Israel's detention of the workers without charge, due process, or legal representation. They argue that the workers were detained at a time when their families in Gaza were enduring Israel's devastating bombardment.

Miriam Marmur, public advocacy director at Gisha, an Israeli rights group that promotes freedom of movement for Palestinians, stated, "They had valid permits to be in Israel and work there. They suddenly lost their status. They were in danger from anyone — army, police, any random Israeli who sees them."

Unclear Scope of the Roundup

The exact number of deported Palestinians remains uncertain. Wael Abu Omar, the spokesperson for Gaza's border crossings, estimated that around 10,000 individuals had crossed back into Gaza on Friday. Relieved families greeted them with kisses and embraces at the Kerem Shalom border crossing in southern Gaza.

Israeli authorities, including the Prime Minister's Office and the Defense Ministry, declined to provide specific figures. Due to the workers' regular movement in and out of Israel, it is unclear how many laborers were present in the country at the time of the attack. Some returnees speculated that others may still be in detention or hiding from Israeli security forces.

The deportation of thousands of Palestinian workers from Gaza has raised concerns about human rights and the treatment of individuals caught in conflict zones. The allegations of mistreatment and lack of transparency surrounding the detentions have drawn criticism from rights groups. The situation highlights the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges faced by civilians during times of war.