Tel aviv: Israel has announced its decision to permit Palestinians stranded outside the Gaza Strip to return via the Rafah land crossing, marking the first instance of such movement since October 7, 2023. The Rafah crossing, located on the border with Egypt, had been destroyed, but a new mechanism has been established with the Egyptian authorities to facilitate this process, as reported by Israeli media on Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli Army Radio confirmed that Gaza residents who had exited the Strip through Egypt would now be able to return. However, this return will only commence once a comprehensive mechanism is in place with the Egyptian side, detailing the criteria, scope, and process involved.

The humanitarian annex to the ceasefire agreement reportedly outlines this new arrangement, stating that Tel Aviv will permit Gaza residents to exit to Egypt using a mechanism established in the January 2025 agreement. This arrangement requires Israeli approval and oversight by the European Union mission, with no restrictions on leaving Gaza for Egypt.

In January 2025, a similar agreement had enabled patients and the wounded to leave Gaza, coordinated with the UN and international organizations. However, some individuals were barred from traveling due to security concerns, despite critical health conditions.

Moreover, the agreement allows for the entry of 600 aid trucks daily into Gaza via the UN, accredited international bodies, and the private sector. These trucks are expected to deliver essential supplies, including food, medical supplies, shelter materials, fuel, and cooking gas. The agreement also permits convoys to travel freely between southern and northern Gaza along two main routes: Salah al-Din Road and al-Rashid Road.