Rafah: The Rafah border crossing on the Egypt-Gaza border officially resumed operations on Monday, with 50 people expected to leave Gaza and 50 others set to return, according to Egyptian official media.

According to Anadolu Agency, an initial group of Palestinians arrived at the crossing, marking the reopening after more than 18 months of closure due to Israeli restrictions. The Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing began operating on a trial basis on Sunday, with expectations that about 50 Palestinians would enter Gaza, while 150 patients and their companions would leave the enclave for medical treatment in Egypt. Gaza health officials estimate that approximately 22,000 patients are awaiting the crossing's full reopening.

Later in the day, Egyptian media reported that several Palestinians who arrived at the Rafah border crossing on Monday morning crossed from the Egyptian side to the Palestinian side after completing the necessary procedures. No further details were provided regarding the crossing process.

The channel noted that Egyptian authorities received the first group of injured and ill Palestinians arriving from Gaza via the Rafah land crossing for treatment in Egyptian hospitals. Authorities have taken measures to facilitate the procedures for these individuals and completed logistical and administrative arrangements to aid their passage.

Earlier on Monday, Egypt's Ministry of Health stated that about 150 hospitals nationwide are prepared to receive Palestinian patients, supported by the deployment of 250 to 300 ambulances. Israel has controlled the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing since May 2024, following its military campaign in Gaza that began in October 2023.