Israel has reopened the sole pedestrian crossing to Egypt in Gaza, allowing dozens of Palestinians to leave or return, marking a significant move in the ceasefire efforts to end the conflict. The crossing, however, comes with strict limitations on access.
50 Palestinians returning to Gaza are undergoing processing at the Israeli-controlled side of the border, awaiting entry pending security checks. Meanwhile, approximately 20,000 Palestinians, including children and adults in need of medical care, are hoping to exit the devastated territory through the crossing, as well as thousands of others aiming to enter or return home.
Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, expressed concern over the limited number of people allowed to evacuate daily through the crossing, emphasizing the urgent need for more patients to access critical medical treatments.
According to Palestinian officials, five patients accompanied by relatives were driven to the crossing compound by World Health Organization personnel for medical treatment outside Gaza. Delays were attributed to Israeli security checks, while Israel’s military had no immediate response to the accusations.
Amid the reopening of the Rafah crossing, Egypt has made preparations to receive war-wounded patients from Gaza. Families are anxiously waiting for their loved ones to be evacuated for medical treatment, with about 150 hospitals in Egypt ready to accommodate Palestinian patients.
Israel’s restrictions have prevented patients from seeking medical care in hospitals in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since the conflict began. However, under the ceasefire terms, Israel and Egypt will screen individuals for entry and exit through the Rafah crossing, monitored by EU border patrol agents and with expected increases in traveler numbers over time.
Violence persisted in Gaza, with reports of a three-year-old Palestinian boy killed by Israeli navy fire at a tent camp in Khan Younis. More than 520 Palestinians have died since the ceasefire, including over 100 children, bringing the total casualties to over 71,700 since the start of Israel’s offensive in October 2023.
The second phase of the ceasefire deal involves establishing a new Palestinian governing committee, deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas, and initiating reconstruction efforts.