Rafah border crossing reopens in limited capacity, while thousands in Gaza still await urgent treatment amid ongoing violence.
Limited number of injured Gazans allowed to leave for treatment as thousands still wait for urgent care. After nearly two years, the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened in a limited capacity, allowing some wounded and sick Palestinians to travel abroad for medical treatment. However, only a small number of patients are currently permitted to cross.
According to international media reports, the crossing is operating under strict security arrangements. Israel and Egypt are controlling the movement of patients, while European monitoring teams are overseeing the process. Officials say the reopening is part of the first phase of a broader peace plan related to Gaza.
Blinded 12-Year-Old Among First Approved Patients
Among the first approved patients is a 12-year-old boy who lost his eyesight during Israeli attacks. His family said the World Health Organisation contacted them and instructed them to prepare for travel to Egypt for urgent treatment. The child was seriously injured during heavy bombardment and had been waiting months for medical evacuation. His family expressed relief after finally receiving permission.
Limited Evacuations Despite Thousands in Need
Despite this development, doctors warn that evacuations remain extremely limited. Dr Mohammed Abu Salmiya of al-Shifa Hospital said around 20,000 patients, including approximately 4,500 children, urgently require treatment outside Gaza. Although Israel reportedly agreed to allow 50 patients per day, hospital sources said only a handful were able to cross recently. Medical officials fear delays could result in more preventable deaths.
Patients Leaving Through Other Crossings
Gaza’s healthcare system remains under severe strain, with damaged hospitals, shortages of medicine, limited medical staff, and lack of equipment. Some patients are being transported through the Karem Abu Salem crossing into Israel before traveling onward to countries such as Jordan and Ireland for treatment.
Meanwhile, violence continues in Gaza. Reports state that three Palestinians were killed in recent Israeli attacks, including a three-year-old child whose family tent was struck near Khan Younis. Other injuries were reported in northern Gaza and in Al-Mawasi, an area designated as a safe zone but still facing attacks.
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Deaths Reported Since Ceasefire
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 500 Palestinians have been killed and around 1,400 injured since the ceasefire began on October 10, 2025.
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