Five buses carrying a large number of Palestinians arrived at the crossing from the Egyptian side, AlQahera News reported, adding that returnees proceeded to departure halls where Egyptian authorities expedited travel procedures to ensure smooth transit into Gaza.
Under the mechanism launched on 2 February, 50 Palestinians are allowed to return daily to Gaza, while 50 patients accompanied by escorts exit to Egypt for medical treatment, according to official statements.
Around 200 Palestinians have returned to Gaza since the Rafah Crossing reopened with Egypt 10 days ago, officials in the besieged territory said.
Egyptian authorities said all logistical preparations were completed to ensure rapid crossings and safe arrivals inside the strip.
Egyptian ambulances lined up in the main courtyard of Rafah land port in preparation to receive wounded and sick Palestinians arriving from Gaza for treatment in Egyptian hospitals, part of ongoing humanitarian coordination.
More than 107,000 Palestinians crossed into Egypt during the war, including wounded individuals who received medical care in Egyptian hospitals. Those who completed treatment are returning in successive voluntary batches to Gaza.
Israeli authorities currently restrict return to those who left the strip after October 2023.
The Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) continues to provide humanitarian services at Rafah, including assisting wounded individuals, accompanying recovered patients returning to Gaza, and coordinating with Egypt’s ministries of health and social solidarity.
Services at dedicated humanitarian centres inside the arrival and departure halls include psychological support for children, distribution of hot meals and winter clothing, family reunification assistance, and the provision of “return bags” for those heading back to the strip.
The ERC said more than 65,000 volunteers have been mobilized since the start of the crisis, and relief aid delivered has exceeded 800,000 tons.
Limited bilateral operations at Rafah resumed last week for the first time in over 18 months, following an initial trial phase, as part of implementing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Under the agreement signed in mid-October to end the war in Gaza, Israel was expected to reopen the Rafah crossing, Gaza’s main gateway to Egypt. However, Israel, which has bombed and controlled the Palestinian side of the crossing since May 2024, repeatedly delayed the move.
Since the start of the war in October 2023, Rafah has faced prolonged closures and severe restrictions, sharply limiting civilian movement and the entry of humanitarian aid.
While Egypt has kept the crossing open from its side, operations have depended on security conditions, Israeli approvals, and international coordination.
The crossing remains a critical lifeline for medical evacuations, humanitarian relief, and limited civilian travel, with phased and trial reopenings closely watched for their impact on wounded Palestinians and aid flows into the besieged territory.
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