Return of 46 Palestinians to Gaza via Rafah Crossing
Forty-six Palestinians, including women and children, returned to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt amid tight Israeli restrictions.
Forty-six Palestinians, including women and children, were allowed to return to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing with Egypt. This return took place on Wednesday evening, and it came as a result of Israeli-imposed restrictions that have intensified over recent months. The individuals included patients who had been receiving medical treatment abroad and were returning home to their families.
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, the same day saw 47 individuals depart Gaza through the Rafah crossing; this included 17 patients and 30 companions. Reports indicate that since the reopening of the crossing's Palestinian side on February 2, under the strict oversight of Israeli authorities, only a small percentage (27%) of the expected traffic has been able to pass through. With 1800 individuals anticipated to travel, only 488 managed to do so, indicating severe limitations on movement.
The official government media in Gaza reported that there were considerable delays and denials among those wishing to leave, where 26 individuals were reportedly barred from leaving for Egypt just in the last couple of days. The situation reflects the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by Gaza's residents, as access to healthcare and safe passage remains heavily restricted, with the crossing opening only under limited conditions, further complicating the lives of those in need, particularly patients requiring medical attention.