Third group of Palestinians returns to Gaza via Rafah crossing
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- Twenty five Palestinians return to the Gaza Strip after medical treatment abroad as Rafah crossing operates at limited capacity.
- Patient evacuations remain far below agreed levels amid coordination disruptions by 'Israel'.
Twenty-five Palestinians entered the Gaza Strip early Thursday through the Rafah border crossing, marking the third batch of returnees since limited operations resumed.
The group traveled from El Arish in Egypt and arrived at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis after more than 20 hours on the road.
Witnesses reported visible signs of exhaustion among the returnees, who included patients and companions.
Returnees describe harsh treatment
Several returnees said they were subjected to interrogations and humiliating treatment by the 'Israeli' military at the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing and while traveling along Salah al Din Street in Rafah and Khan Younis.
Their accounts mirror previous reports of prolonged security checks, repeated questioning, and extended delays imposed during transit through the crossing.
Limited exits despite medical need
On the third day of operations, 'Israeli' authorities allowed 26 patients and escorts to return to Gaza, while permitting only 20 patients and companions to leave for medical treatment abroad. No explanation was provided for the discrepancy.
On Wednesday, the 'Israeli' military canceled coordination for the scheduled third batch of outgoing patients and wounded, disrupting evacuation plans for dozens more. The decision added pressure to Gaza’s already devastated health sector.
Rafah reopening falls short of expectations
The Rafah crossing, Gaza’s primary gateway to Egypt, reopened on February 2 for the first time in nearly two years, after being closed in May 2024.
Under existing arrangements, up to 50 Palestinians were expected to enter Gaza daily, alongside the departure of 50 patients with two escorts each. Actual movements have remained far below those figures due to bureaucratic hurdles, security screenings, and coordination issues involving 'Israel', Egypt, and international actors.
On the first day of reopening, only about 12 Palestinians were allowed to return, while reports on outgoing patients ranged from five to around 20, including escorts. Buses and ambulances were held for hours awaiting security clearance.
The second day saw roughly 40 Palestinians return after lengthy delays, with observers describing the procedures as major impediments. Women, children, and elderly returnees were processed through Nasser Medical Complex and other reception points.
Health system on the brink
These limited movements come as Gaza’s health system faces near total collapse. Estimates indicate up to 22,000 patients, including thousands of children, are awaiting urgent treatment abroad.
Humanitarian organizations describe the partial reopening as a modest ceasefire related step, but stress the need for sustained, large scale access for medical evacuations, aid delivery, and civilian returns.
As of early February 2026, Rafah operations continue under strict controls. Aid groups and families of patients say hopes now hinge on the resumption of reliable coordination for outgoing medical cases following Wednesday’s cancellation.
