Rafah: The first group of Palestinians returning from Egypt made their way to the Rafah border crossing on Monday morning, marking a significant step towards re-establishing movement between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Al-Qahera News Channel reported that the group had reached the crossing, with video footage showing Palestinians gathered at the terminal. However, they had not yet entered Gaza. The Rafah crossing, an essential gateway for Palestinians, began operating on a trial basis on Sunday after being closed for over 18 months due to Israeli restrictions.

Israeli media sources revealed that approximately 50 Palestinians are expected to enter Gaza, while around 150 patients and their companions are scheduled to leave the enclave for medical treatment in Egypt. Gaza health officials estimate that nearly 22,000 patients are waiting for the full reopening of the crossing to receive necessary medical attention.

The Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing has been under Israeli control since May 2024, following a military campaign in Gaza that began in October 2023. Although a ceasefire was established in January 2025, allowing temporary reopening of the crossing for medical evacuations, it was closed again after military operations resumed in March.

Despite a ceasefire agreement taking effect in October 2025, Israel has not reopened the crossing as planned. With US backing, Israel's ongoing campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of about 72,000 Palestinians and injuries to over 171,000, predominantly affecting women and children. The conflict has also led to the destruction of approximately 90% of civilian infrastructure.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with Israel violating the ceasefire daily, causing 523 additional Palestinian deaths and blocking the agreed-upon levels of humanitarian aid from entering the enclave. The 2.4 million people residing in Gaza are facing severe humanitarian conditions, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and restrictions.