Rafah Crossing Reopens for Medical Evacuations Amid Ceasefire Hopes

The Rafah Crossing, which connects Gaza and Egypt, opened its gates for human traffic on Saturday, marking a significant event as it had been closed since May. This momentous occasion allowed around 50 Palestinian patients, many of whom were children suffering from critical conditions, to be transported via ambulances provided by the Egyptian Health Ministry for urgent medical assistance in Egyptian hospitals. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, out of the individuals being transferred, 30 were children diagnosed with cancer, requiring specialized treatment unavailable in nearby facilities.

Khaled Megawer, the Governor of North Sinai, noted that the reopening of the crossing serves as a positive indication towards achieving a lasting ceasefire, reflecting the desire of the international community for peace. He mentioned that the unexpected opening of the gates, initially scheduled for the following day, gave hope for additional medical evacuations in the upcoming days as they prioritize the care of injured individuals.

Israel has permitted a minimum of 50 medical patients, along with their companions, to cross the border daily, responding to global appeals. Recently, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the urgency to release 2,500 Gazan children for medical treatments, following discussions with American doctors who expressed concern over the children's health.

On the same day, three civilian hostages were released by Hamas as part of the ceasefire agreement, bringing the total number of hostages freed to seventeen. In exchange, Israel released 400 Palestinian prisoners, of whom 183 were freed that Saturday.

one for ambulances and pedestrians, and the other designated for trucks delivering humanitarian supplies. While the truck entrance had remained partially open during the conflict to allow essential goods through, many vehicles encountered delays due to heavy military attacks on the Palestinian side of the crossing.

Since the outbreak of violence on October 7, 2023, Gaza has faced a worsening humanitarian crisis, leading to significant cases of malnutrition. The ceasefire has enabled the entry of hundreds of trucks daily to provide aid, although restrictions on specific items, like construction materials, remain in place due to security concerns.

On the day of the reopening, fewer trucks passed through the border due to the Sabbath. One truck driver, Hussein Ahmed, expressed his frustrations about the lengthy waiting period and inadequate road conditions, though he managed to preserve his cargo of oranges by staying in his truck. Following inspection processes at the Karem Shalom crossing, UN agencies assist in distributing the delivered goods to those in need.

Additionally, European Union foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the deployment of monitors at the Rafah crossing to support Palestinian border staff and facilitate the passage of individuals requiring medical care.