The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza has reopened, allowing thirty-seven sick and wounded Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment in Egypt. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 34 children and three adults, along with 39 companions, crossed out of Gaza on Tuesday.
The closure of the crossing had been in place since Israeli forces took control of the Gaza side in May last year. However, as part of a ceasefire and hostage deal between Hamas and Israel, it has reopened.
Palestinian families are relieved that their loved ones can now receive treatment, with some sharing harrowing stories of suffering and pain. Mai Khader Abdul Ghani’s son, Moatasem, was placed in intensive care at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital and had been experiencing severe pain due to a rare autoimmune disease. Her niece Lara Abu Jalala suffered serious injuries from a bombing that killed her parents and brothers.
WHO representative Dr Rik Peeperkorn described the evacuation as an “orderly” and “slow” process, with ambulances taking non-walking patients first, followed by walking patients and their companions. The organization estimates that 14,000 people need access to treatment in Gaza, half of whom suffer from war-related injuries.
The reopening of the crossing comes amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which has been in place since January 19. Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for three Israeli hostages, while Hamas carried out its fourth hostage release and prisoner swap. The European Union has deployed a monitoring mission at the crossing to support Palestinian border personnel and facilitate transfers of individuals needing medical care.
Note: I simplified the content by removing some details and focusing on the key points of the article.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2343k1gk6o