Israel reopened the sole pedestrian crossing to Egypt, allowing dozens of Palestinians to leave or return to Gaza as part of the ongoing ceasefire efforts to end the conflict. Palestinian and Egyptian sources confirmed that 50 Palestinians were being processed at the Israeli-controlled side of the border, with plans for their entry into Gaza pending Israeli security checks.
Gaza health officials reported that around 20,000 Palestinians, including children and adults in need of medical care, are hoping to utilize the crossing to access essential treatments. Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya of Al-Shifa Hospital expressed concerns over the limited number of daily exits permitted, emphasizing the urgent need for more patients to be allowed to evacuate for critical medical procedures.
In a bid to seek medical treatment abroad, five patients accompanied by relatives were escorted to the crossing compound from the Gaza side by World Health Organization personnel. Palestinian officials attributed delays to Israeli security checks, while Israel’s military did not comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, preparations were underway in Egypt to receive war-wounded Palestinians evacuated from Gaza through the Rafah crossing. A mother, Randa Abu Mustafa, anxiously awaited the evacuation of her son, who was blinded by a gunshot in a previous incident. Egyptian authorities and the Red Crescent have made arrangements to receive and support evacuated patients on the Egyptian side of the crossing.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing holds significant importance for Gaza residents, especially patients requiring medical treatment abroad. Despite challenges, efforts are being made to facilitate the movement of individuals through the crossing under the supervision of European Union border patrol agents and limited Palestinian presence.
Tragic incidents continue to unfold in Gaza, with reports of a three-year-old Palestinian boy being killed by Israeli fire at a tent camp in Khan Younis. The violence has resulted in multiple casualties since the ceasefire, with over 520 Palestinians killed, including more than 100 children. The ceasefire deal’s second phase involves complex steps aimed at governance, security, disarmament, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.