Gazans began crossing into Egypt through the reopened Rafah border point on Saturday, nine months after it was closed following Israel’s invasion of the southern city in May. The move comes as part of a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Only 50 wounded individuals are initially allowed to leave Gaza daily under the agreement, with restrictions expected to be lifted over time. This is in accordance with an appendix to the agreement, which states that the number of people crossing through Rafah will increase, goods will move freely again, and aid will flow into Gaza.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 37 patients, including 34 children, were evacuated through Rafah on Saturday, but it is unclear if any militant wounded individuals also left. The WHO’s top official for Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank described the evacuation as a positive step, but emphasized the need for increased exit routes.
Injured Palestinian Saed Abu Aita expressed frustration over the limited number of people who crossed through Rafah on Saturday, worrying that he may have to wait months to receive medical treatment abroad. The crossing was previously closed due to Israel’s invasion and has devastated Gaza’s health system, with hospitals struggling to provide care despite being in service.
A new security arrangement between Israel, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority is in place at the crossing, allowing for the first time in nine months for Palestinians to receive medical treatment abroad.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/world/middleeast/rafah-crossing-gaza-wounded-egypt.html