The Rafah border crossing welcomed its second group of Palestinians returning to Gaza from Egypt on Tuesday, marking continued progress in cross-border coordination following months of closure. Egyptian authorities confirmed the returnees—primarily patients who had received medical care in Egyptian hospitals—completed entry protocols before crossing into the embattled enclave.
This development comes just days after Palestinian officials resumed operations at their side of the crossing on Monday, following a trial reopening on Sunday. The reactivation forms part of a phased ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on October 10, 2025, ending two years of conflict that Gaza health authorities claim resulted in over 71,800 fatalities.
Egypt’s Health Ministry has mobilized 12,000 doctors across 150 hospitals to address urgent medical needs, with approximately 22,000 Palestinians still requiring external treatment. Meanwhile, Palestinian media reported a bus carrying 12 returnees arrived at Khan Younis’ Nasser Medical Complex late Monday, signaling cautious optimism for sustained humanitarian access.
While the ceasefire remains fragile, the coordinated repatriation efforts offer a tentative blueprint for stabilizing Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure and reuniting families separated during the conflict.
