The rise in readiness in the hospitals, with ambulances and medical teams fully mobilized, came as the Rafah border crossing resumed full operations from the Palestinian side for the first time in nearly two years, according to Egyptian and Palestinian media reports.
The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza opened on Sunday in a one-day trial phase under the second phase of the October ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the Israeli genocidal war on the strip.
A second group of Palestinians arrived at the crossing in preparation to make their journey into Gaza after completing their treatment in Egypt.
On the Gaza side, a bus carrying 12 Palestinian returnees arrived at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis on Monday evening, Palestinian media said.
The arrivals of patients and wounded were part of the first day of renewed movement at the crossing, during which around 100 people crossed in both directions, according to Al-Qahera News.
Egyptian authorities said the first group of wounded and patients with chronic illnesses was received earlier on Monday through the Egyptian side of the crossing to receive treatment at Egyptian hospitals.
Preparations are underway to receive a second batch of injured patients, prompting hospitals in Arish and across North Sinai to raise readiness to the highest level, with operating theatres, intensive care units, and fully equipped ambulances on standby.
North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer said on Monday that the governorate had begun the effective implementation of the second phase of the Rafah operating agreement, overseeing logistics related to the entry of humanitarian aid and the reception of wounded and injured arrivals from Gaza.
Under the current arrangements, Egypt is set to receive 50 patients per day, primarily those wounded and those with chronic illnesses affected by medicine shortages due to the Isreali blockade on the strip, with one to two companions per patient.
On Monday, 50 patients accompanied by 84 people were received, he added.
Separately, Ambassador Mohamed Al-Orabi, deputy head of the Senate’s Foreign, Arab and African Affairs Committee, commented on the official reopening of the Rafah land crossing in both directions, saying it was an important development, but only a partial one within the broader Palestinian issue.
In a phone interview with the programme “Al-Saa 6” on Al-Hayat TV late on Monday, he said opening the crossing in both directions represents a lifeline for the afflicted people of Gaza, even though it does not constitute free movement.
He stressed the importance of anticipating Israeli obstacles, noting that Israel is currently required to align with the second phase of the US plan despite opposing the transition to it, which could compel it to abandon the disarmament of Hamas and begin reconstruction efforts in some areas.
“The coming period will see each side trying to achieve partial progress in its interests, while closely watching what comes next,” he said.
Al-Orabi added that Israel would oppose the idea of daily crossings and would hinder the return of Palestinians to the Strip after completing treatment in Egypt, warning against excessive optimism that matters will proceed smoothly.
He said opening the crossing on both sides is an important step, adding that the ultimate goal is to reach a permanent ceasefire, begin reconstruction, and allow the entry of essential aid.
He noted that Israel would not fully commit to the Trump plan but would align with it to avoid appearing as an obstacle to the US administration’s plans, adding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had partially succeeded in obstructing these efforts.
“In reading the Israeli-American series, every time he goes to America, Netanyahu returns having imposed his will more than that of the president,” he said.
Al-Orabi said Egypt’s reception and treatment of Palestinian patients was a sovereign humanitarian decision, adding that the coming period would likely be a trial phase marked by push and pull, with the ultimate goal remaining a permanent ceasefire, reconstruction, and sustained aid access.
Under the ceasefire agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the US and signed in mid-October to end the war in Gaza, Israel was expected to reopen the Rafah crossing, Gaza’s main gateway to Egypt and the world.
However, Israel, which has controlled the Palestinian side of the crossing since May 2024, repeatedly delayed the move, despite pledges to allow its reopening, most recently in December.
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 enclave.
Short link: