25 Palestinian patients return to Gaza via Rafah border crossing

Twenty-five Palestinian patients returned to the Gaza Strip on Wednesday through the Rafah border crossing, the primary transit point for medical evacuations between Gaza and Egypt. The crossing, which reopened on a limited basis earlier this week, has allowed a restricted number of patients to exit for treatment abroad and return after receiving care.

The returns highlight the ongoing humanitarian efforts to address Gaza's devastated healthcare system, where thousands remain in need of specialized medical attention unavailable locally. While the reopening of Rafah has enabled some critically ill patients—including children—to access lifesaving treatment, aid organizations stress that current transit quotas fall far short of the overwhelming need.

The Rafah crossing had been fully closed by Israel since May 2024 and remains under strict Israeli controls, with Egypt coordinating passenger lists and Israel conducting security checks. Humanitarian aid trucks are still barred from entering through Rafah, and only a limited number of pedestrians are permitted to cross daily.