Life in Limbo: Gazans Face New Militia Checks at Rafah Crossing

Sun Feb 08 2026 00:54:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

With the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, Gazans returning home encounter searches by a local militia, alongside Israeli forces, raising concerns over safety and security procedures.

As the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopens, returning Gazans report intrusive checks conducted by the Abu Shabab militia in collaboration with Israeli forces. Describing their experiences, travelers recount feeling threatened during security checks, and they express concerns over potential abuses and the coordination between the militia and Israeli authorities.

Two Gazan women who passed through the newly reopened Rafah crossing with Egypt reported on Monday that they faced checks by a local Palestinian militia linked to Israel at an Israeli military checkpoint inside the Gaza Strip.

Lamia Rabia, who was traveling with her children, described an escort by Israeli forces to a nearby checkpoint where members of the Abu Shabab militia, also known as the Popular Forces, conducted searches of their belongings.

There was a woman from the Abu Shabab group who conducted the searches on the women, she stated.

They did not converse with us; only searched, after which we were taken to the Israelis for questioning.

The Israelis and the Abu Shabab group were present at the same location, she added.

The IDF declined to comment on these claims or confirm any coordination with the militia. Additionally, Israel's Shin Bet security agency has not responded to inquiries regarding the situation.

Abu Shabab, known for receiving support and resources from Israel, operates under Israeli military oversight in the Rafah area. Ghassan al-Dheini, the militia head, highlighted their security role in managing the crossing's operations.

Witnesses claimed that militia members introduced themselves during the searches, although direct confirmation from militia leaders has not been obtained.

One of the women recounted that she was threatened and mistreated, allegedly beaten and strip-searched alongside other women, while the other stated that her experience was less traumatic.

The constraints at the Rafah crossing have intensified amid reports of abuses, prompting the European Union to consider enhanced monitoring of arrivals to the Israeli checkpoint.

Reports indicate that Palestinian travelers had their belongings confiscated, with officials from the EU Border Assistance Mission stating their role strictly involves monitoring procedures rather than interacting with confiscated items.

Despite initial expectations, only a handful of Gazans managed to return on the first day of the crossing's reopening, raising questions about the efficiency and safety of the process and the ongoing influence of Hamas amid restructured border management.