Israeli forces arrest cancer patient and daughter returning to Gaza
Amal Ghazy al-Rify and her daughter were detained at Karam Abu Salem checkpoint after two years of medical treatment in Egypt.
Israeli forces arrested a cancer patient, Amal Ghazy al-Rify, and her daughter Yasmin Rifaat al-Rify on Tuesday evening as they returned to Gaza from Egypt. The two women had been in Egypt for nearly two years seeking medical treatment for Amal's cancer. They were detained at the Karam Abu Salem checkpoint after passing through the Rafah crossing, which had reopened that day.
A relative, Haitham al-Rify, stated that Amal's health had deteriorated, prompting their decision to return to Gaza despite incomplete treatment. He condemned their arrest, emphasizing that neither woman is involved in political or military activities. The family has not been informed of their whereabouts and has contacted the International Committee of the Red Cross for details.
The family appealed on Wednesday for urgent intervention from human rights organizations to uncover the fate of Amal and Yasmine and secure their release. 29 patients and 42 companions had left Gaza on Tuesday for treatment in Egypt, including critical and chronic disease cases.
Why it mattersA cancer patient and her daughter were arrested by Israeli forces while returning to Gaza after receiving medical treatment in Egypt.