Rafah crossing receives 2nd group of Palestinians returning from Egypt to Gaza

CAIRO/GAZA -- The Rafah border crossing received on Tuesday the second group of Palestinians returning to the Gaza Strip from Egypt after the crossing reopened a day earlier, Egypt's state-affiliated Al-Qahera News TV reported.

The group arrived at the Egyptian side of the crossing earlier in the day to complete entry procedures before heading back to Gaza, according to the report. They had previously received medical treatment and healthcare in Egyptian hospitals.

Meanwhile, Palestinian media reported that a bus carrying 12 returnees arrived at the Nasser Medical Complex in Gaza's Khan Younis on Monday evening after crossing via Rafah.

Gaza's health authorities have stated that around 22,000 Palestinians are in urgent need of treatment outside the enclave, including more than 400 life-saving cases.

The Palestinian side of the crossing officially resumed operations on Monday for the first time since May 2024, following an initial trial reopening on Sunday, as part of the implementation of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Following the reopening, Egypt's Ministry of Health said around 12,000 doctors at 150 hospitals have been placed on standby to receive wounded Palestinians and patients.

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Oct 10, 2025, after two years of conflict that have resulted in at least 71,800 Palestinian deaths and over 171,500 injuries, according to Gaza's health authorities.