Inside the Base Where Israel Has Detained Thousands of Gazans


Inside the Base Where Israel Has Detained Thousands of Gazans

Israeli soldiers stand guard at the Erez crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip on July 16, 2018. MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images

Inside the Base Where Israel Has Detained Thousands of Gazans

Israel’s Erez Crossing is a holding pen for thousands of Gazans.

By Jeremiah Jacques • August 28, 2018

Israel’s Erez Crossing is a holding pen for thousands of Gazans.

The crossing, located on the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip, is the only way for Palestinians to leave the coastal enclave for medical treatment, to visit family members in the West Bank, or to travel abroad.

But the crossing is also a place where thousands of Gazans are detained for days, weeks or even months.

“I’ve been here for 10 days,” said 22-year-old Mohammed, who was waiting to travel to Jordan for a job interview. “I’ve been here before, and I’ve been here for 15 days. I’ve been here for 20 days.”

Mohammed was one of about 1,000 Palestinians waiting to pass through the crossing on August 14.

“I’ve been here for 10 days,” said 22-year-old Mohammed, who was waiting to travel to Jordan for a job interview. “I’ve been here before, and I’ve been here for 15 days. I’ve been here for 20 days.”

Mohammed was one of about 1,000 Palestinians waiting to pass through the crossing on August 14.

“I’ve been here for 10 days,” said 22-year-old Mohammed, who was waiting to travel to Jordan for a job interview. “I’ve been here before, and I’ve been here for 15 days. I’ve been here for 20 days.”

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