Allegations: IDF forcibly removed asylum seekers
PM's office says 18 asylum seekers at Egyptian border 'turned back,' but testimonies reveal IDF might have 'dragged' men across border. Non-profit organization urge investigation
According to the "We Are Refugees" organization, which was assisting the asylum seekers, the two women and child who were granted entrance into Israel reported that the men that were with them were forcibly removed from Israel back into Egypt.
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Activists: IDF blocked food transfer to infiltrators
The group of asylum seekers stayed within the border fences of the Egypt-Israel border for eight days, guarded by the IDF. The group was given water by the IDF on a regular basis, but was only transferred food on the sixth day – through the fence.
The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement on Friday, by which two women and a child are allowed entrance into Israel. At the same time, it was reported that Egypt has consented to admit the remaining 18 male migrants.
According to testimonies, the IDF 'dragged' asylum seekers back to Egypt (Photo: AP)
We Are Refugees' representatives, however, argue that placing the men in the custody of the Egyptian authorities was not so consensual.
According to the testimonies of the women and child who were admitted into Israel, "Israeli defense forces that crossed the border into the Egyptian side used force, held the men and hurled them on a canopy that they used to drag them back to the Egyptian side."
One of the "We Are Refugees" attorneys said that "some of the men passed out. All of them were hungry and weak, and with the little strength they had left they were trying to put up a fight, begging they'd rather be killed than taken back to Egypt. The asylum seekers further testified that while they were at the fence, soldiers sprayed teargas at them."
The We Are Refugees organization called to "open an investigation in regards to the state's conduct and find out what happened to the asylum seekers."
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