Sick and wounded Gazans head to Egypt for treatment as Rafah crossing reopens

Sick and wounded Palestinians from Gaza entered Egypt for medical care after Israel allowed reopening of the Rafah border crossing for a limited time.

According to reports, only a small number of people are permitted to cross each day amid tight security checks and coordination between Egyptian and Israeli authorities.

Egyptian media reported that patients were checked and transported to respective hospitals in North Sinai upon arrival on Monday.

The reopening comes after months of appeals from humanitarian groups to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza after prolonged war. The Rafah crossing had been shut since May 2024. 

The move offers hope to sick and wounded Gazans after Gaza’s healthcare system collapsed due to war, blockade and lack of medical resources. 

Despite the reopening, reports say, there are still many restrictions, with commercial goods barred and strict screening procedures in place. Aid organizations stress that increased access and capacity will be essential to meet the urgent needs of Gaza’s population.