UN: Palestinians returning to Gaza face abuse, property seizures

The UN Human Rights Office has expressed concern over reports that Palestinians returning to Gaza face violence, threats, degrading treatment, intrusive searches and confiscation of personal belongings by Israeli forces.

The office said returnees reported the seizure of medicines, medical supplies, documents, money and other possessions, with no mechanism for their recovery. It also documented allegations of beatings, detention and forced undressing during searches.

UN Human Rights Office Director Ajith Sunghay said the abuses reflect a broader pattern of violations and dehumanization that discourages Palestinians from returning to the devastated Gaza Strip.

The UN also reported that one in four Palestinians injured since October 2023 has suffered life-changing injuries, while rehabilitation equipment remains severely restricted.

Meanwhile, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization said it distributed mobile water tanks in Gaza for the first time since October 2023, benefiting more than 2,000 livestock breeders.