The Arrival of Casualties from Gaza at the Egyptian Side of Rafah Begins

SadaNews - The first group of casualties and patients leaving Gaza began to arrive at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with the Palestinian territory today, Monday, according to a medical official in Egypt who spoke to the French Press Agency.

The official stated that "the first batch of Palestinian casualties and patients started arriving at the crossing in Egyptian ambulances, accompanied by several companions." He added that "three ambulances carrying a number of patients and casualties have arrived so far and were examined immediately upon arrival... to determine which hospital they will be transferred to."

Egyptian media reported on Monday that the receiving of Palestinian casualties from the Gaza Strip on the Egyptian side of the Rafah land crossing has begun.

The Rafah crossing, located on lands controlled by Israel, was once home to a quarter of a million residents before it was completely destroyed and emptied of its inhabitants. It is the only route for entering and exiting Gaza for almost all of the more than two million residents of the strip.

The crossing has remained closed for most of the time since the outbreak of the war. The reopening of the crossing to allow access to the outside world is one of the last major steps required under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, which came into effect in October.

An Israeli security official reported that the Rafah crossing opened at approximately 9:00 AM for "entry and exit." A Palestinian source mentioned that 50 Palestinians are expected to enter Gaza on the first day.

Health officials stated that five patients, who were seeking to leave Gaza for treatment, along with two of their relatives, were transported to the crossing from the Palestinian side in a vehicle accompanied by staff from the World Health Organization.

Israel took control of the border crossing in May 2024, approximately nine months after the war on Gaza broke out. Since then, it has largely remained closed, except for a brief period during a previous ceasefire in early 2025.