First batch of 50 wounded and sick from Gaza travel via Rafah crossing
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As part of the first stage of the ceasefire agreement, 50 sick and wounded individuals from Gaza are traveling through the Rafah crossing.
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In this image taken from a video released by the Egyptian Government Press Center, trucks of aid enter the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing in Rafah, Egypt, on January 19, 2025. (Egyptian Press Center via AP)
50 wounded and sick individuals from the Gaza Strip, accompanied by their companions, traveled through the Rafah crossing on Saturday as part of the first batch to pass since the crossing was fully closed in May 2024.
Egyptian media reported that preparations are underway to receive Palestinian casualties, with buses being arranged to transport them to the Rafah crossing through the World Health Organization.
It is noteworthy that the ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian Resistance and the Israeli occupation, effective since January 19, 2025, stipulates the daily travel of 50 patients and wounded individuals through the Rafah crossing.
According to the agreement, the Rafah crossing will operate under the supervision of the European Union Security Mission (EUBAM), alongside Palestinian employees from Gaza who are not affiliated with Hamas.
These employees are likely connected to the Palestinian Authority but without official representation.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Friday that the first group of 50 patients, wounded people, and their companions will leave to travel through the Rafah land crossing.
EU to resume monitor of Rafah crossing
On that note, the European Union announced yesterday the resumption of its civilian mission to monitor the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, as confirmed by the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas.
Earlier this week, North Sinai Governor Khaled Mojawer announced that the Rafah border crossing will reopen to receive injured and sick Palestinians for treatment in Egyptian hospitals.
Speaking at a press conference near the Rafah crossing during his visit on Tuesday, Mojawer stated that "the Egyptian side of the crossing is 1000% ready," while the Palestinian side will be operational within days, as repair works are underway following damage caused during the Israeli war on Gaza.
He noted that a European Union delegation would monitor the crossing on the Palestinian side in coordination with Palestinian authorities, whereas the Egyptian side would remain under full Egyptian control.
