25 more Palestinians return to Gaza as Rafah crossing partially reopens

The return of Palestinians to Gaza is continuing after the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, with a further 25 Palestinians arriving in the enclave

This was the third group to enter Gaza since the crossing reopened under strict restrictions. The group arrived at around 3am local time.

According to Arab media, just hours later 13 Palestinian patients, accompanied by their family members and officials from the World Health Organization, were transferred towards the Rafah crossing for medical treatment abroad.

Several returnees told the media that they were subjected to questioning and humiliating treatment at Israeli security checkpoints

Emotional scenes were witnessed as those returning reunited with their families in Gaza.

One woman, Aisha Bilawi, told an international news agency:

“It feels like being suspended between happiness and grief. I am grateful to be reunited with my family, my husband and loved ones, but my heart is heavy after seeing the devastation of my homeland. I never imagined the destruction would be so severe.”

The reopening of the Rafah crossing for the return of Palestinians and the transfer of patients abroad was included in the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.

At present, only Palestinians who left Gaza during the war are permitted to return.

It may be recalled that Israel took control of the Rafah crossing in May 2024, closing it to all movement.