Israel reopened the sole pedestrian crossing to Egypt for Palestinians in Gaza on Monday, allowing dozens to leave or return. The move is part of the ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the conflict, but access is limited. Palestinian and Egyptian sources reported that 50 Palestinians were processed at the Israeli-controlled side of the border, awaiting entry into Gaza pending security checks. Gaza health officials stated that around 20,000 Palestinians, including children and adults in need of medical care, are hoping to use the crossing. Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya from Al-Shifa Hospital expressed concerns over the limited daily exits, emphasizing the urgent need for more patients to be allowed to evacuate, especially those requiring critical treatments like open-heart surgery or cancer care.
The Rafah crossing, controlled by Israel’s military, is crucial for Palestinians seeking medical treatment abroad. On Monday, five patients escorted by relatives were driven to the crossing compound from Gaza under the supervision of the World Health Organization. Delays in the process were attributed to Israeli security checks, which Palestinian officials criticized for hindering medical care access. Meanwhile, Egypt is prepared to receive war-wounded patients from Gaza, with over 150 hospitals ready to provide treatment.
Israel has restricted patients from seeking medical care in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since the conflict began, impacting the healthcare options for Palestinians in Gaza. The Rafah crossing, monitored by European Union agents and with Egyptian support, is expected to gradually increase the number of travelers over time, subject to successful implementation. The crossing’s reopening is seen as a lifeline for patients, offering hope for accessing essential medical treatments and eventually returning to normal life.
Amid ongoing violence, a three-year-old Palestinian boy was tragically killed by Israeli navy fire at a tent camp in Khan Younis. The incident adds to the toll of over 520 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire in October, including more than 100 children. The ceasefire’s second phase involves establishing a new Palestinian committee for Gaza’s governance, deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas, and initiating rebuilding efforts.