Israel has reopened the sole pedestrian crossing to Egypt, allowing dozens of Palestinians to enter or exit Gaza on Monday as part of the ceasefire efforts to end the conflict. Palestinian and Egyptian sources confirmed that 50 individuals were undergoing processing at the Israeli-controlled side of the Palestinian border, with uncertainties regarding their entry into the enclave pending Israeli security checks.
Gaza health officials reported that approximately 20,000 Palestinians, including children and adults in need of medical treatment, are eager to leave the devastated territory through the crossing. Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, expressed concerns about the limited number of daily evacuations, emphasizing the urgent need for more patients to receive medical attention promptly.
The Rafah crossing, shared with Egypt, serves as a crucial point for Palestinians seeking medical treatment abroad. Despite the reopening, delays in crossings were attributed to Israeli security checks, as Palestinian officials criticized Israel for hindering medical access and equipment.
Egypt stands prepared to receive war-wounded patients from Gaza, with numerous hospitals ready to accommodate evacuees. The Egyptian Red Crescent has also established safe spaces at the crossing to support those departing from the Gaza Strip. Patients like Moustafa Abdel Hadi, who rely on medical treatment, are hopeful for the opportunity to access healthcare abroad and return to normal life.
Israel has imposed restrictions on patients seeking treatment in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since the conflict began. The Rafah crossing will be monitored by European Union border patrol agents, alongside a limited Palestinian presence, to facilitate the entry and exit of individuals while ensuring a controlled process.
As fears persist about potential population shifts, Egypt emphasizes the importance of maintaining open access for Palestinians. The Rafah crossing was seized by Israeli troops in 2024 to combat arms-smuggling, and its reopening marks progress in facilitating humanitarian aid and medical evacuations. Amid ongoing violence, hospital officials in Gaza reported the tragic death of a three-year-old Palestinian boy due to Israeli navy fire.
The ceasefire casualties continue to rise, with over 520 Palestinians killed since the ceasefire’s commencement, including more than 100 children, according to UNICEF. The second phase of the ceasefire agreement entails complex steps, including the establishment of a new Palestinian governing committee, international security deployment, disarmament of Hamas, and reconstruction initiatives.