Second day at Rafah: 'Israel' prevents dozens of Gaza patients from leaving

• Limited departures at Rafah crossing: On the second day of the partial reopening, 16 patients and 32 companions successfully left Gaza, while 29 patients and 58 companions were refused travel by 'Israel' at the last moment.
• Strictly controlled process: Only Gaza residents are allowed to exit, with daily limits of 150–200 people. Departure lists are pre-approved by 'Israeli' authorities and coordinated with Egypt and EU staff.

On the second day of the limited reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, only 16 patients accompanied by 32 family members or companions successfully crossed into Egypt, the Red Crescent spokesperson reported.

Authorities had initially been informed that 45 patients and 90 companions were scheduled to travel on Tuesday, with three buses prepared for departure. However, at the last moment, 'Israeli' authorities refused travel for 29 patients and 58 of their companions, reducing the number of actual departures.

First day of reopening

The first day of the crossing’s partial reopening on Monday saw a handful of injured Palestinians and their companions enter Egypt. A border source told AFP that five injured people and seven companions crossed the border on the first day.

On Monday, the number of patients allowed to exit Gaza was capped at 50 individuals, each accompanied by up to two companions, according to three Egyptian border officials.

How the Rafah crossing operates

The Rafah crossing reopened Monday in both directions under strict rules, with 'Israel' establishing a new corridor, named “Rigavim,” to screen incoming travelers.

Who can leave Gaza?

Only Gaza residents are permitted to exit at this stage, with a daily capacity of around 150–200 people.

'Israeli' authorities pre-approve departure lists, which are forwarded by the EU mission to Egypt for final approval.

Who can enter Gaza?

Egypt submits daily lists of 50 Palestinians seeking entry. After security checks, entry is allowed the next day. Palestinians who left Gaza during the war may return under Egyptian coordination and 'Israeli' security approval. Initial screening is handled by EU staff, followed by 'Israeli'-controlled checkpoints.

Who manages the crossing?

The corridor is controlled by 'Israeli' security using pre-approved lists, while Palestinian teams run daily operations under European supervision. A technocratic body, the National Committee for Gaza Management, is expected to enter Gaza through Rafah in the coming days.

Criticism over restrictions

The reopening has faced criticism as more than 22,000 patients in Gaza need urgent medical care outside the territory, but only 150 people are permitted to leave per day. At this rate, processing all patients could take approximately five months.

The current opening focuses solely on individual movement, not essential supplies. Gaza requires at least 600 aid trucks daily to meet basic needs.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem warned that any 'Israeli' obstruction of the crossing would violate the ceasefire and urged mediators to monitor operations at Rafah closely.