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A fifth batch of patients departed the Gaza Strip yesterday through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt for medical treatment, as the medical travel mechanism continues to operate through the land crossing. According to reports, the Rafah border crossing facilitated the simultaneous arrival of a fifth group of returnees entering Gaza, with authorities maintaining high alert status to accommodate the movements in both directions.
The departures and arrivals represent ongoing coordination efforts that began when the Rafah border crossing reopened last week. Reports indicate that 145 patients and their companions have left Gaza for treatment abroad, while 98 individuals have returned to the territory during the same period.
Rafah Border Crossing Reopens After Two-Year Closure
Last Thursday, the Rafah border crossing opened in both directions for the first time in nearly two years. The crossing had remained closed due to the ongoing conflict and security restrictions imposed during that period. The reopening allows patients and humanitarian cases to exit Gaza while enabling stranded individuals to return home.
However, the flow of people through the crossing remains significantly limited compared to initial expectations. Authorities had anticipated allowing 50 Palestinians to enter Gaza and 50 patients with accompanying persons to depart to Egypt on the first day of operations.
Limited Numbers Pass Through Despite Reopening
In contrast to these projections, actual numbers fell far short during the initial days. According to reports, only 12 Palestinians entered Gaza on the first operational day, while just 8 individuals were permitted to depart. The discrepancy between planned capacity and actual throughput highlights the challenges facing the medical travel mechanism.
Additionally, the second day of operations saw 40 Palestinians return to Gaza after lengthy waiting periods. The delays occurred amid obstacles and difficulties imposed by the Israeli military at the Rafah border crossing, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Medical Patients Face Uncertain Journey Through Rafah Crossing
The limited capacity at the crossing poses significant challenges for Gaza’s medical patients seeking urgent treatment abroad. Meanwhile, the coordination mechanism continues to process cases gradually, though at a pace considerably slower than humanitarian organizations had hoped for when the crossing reopened.
The medical travel arrangements allow each patient to travel with one companion, recognizing that many require assistance during their journeys and treatment abroad. Nevertheless, the restricted numbers mean thousands of patients awaiting medical evacuation face uncertain timelines for their departures.
Furthermore, the high alert status maintained at the crossing reflects security concerns that continue to influence operational decisions. Authorities have not confirmed specific reasons for the gap between projected and actual passenger numbers, though security procedures and Israeli military restrictions appear to be contributing factors.
Coordination Efforts Continue Amid Challenges
The ongoing operations at the Rafah border crossing represent a critical lifeline for Gaza residents requiring specialized medical care unavailable within the territory. The crossing serves as the primary exit point for patients traveling to Egypt and other destinations for treatment.
However, the pace of movement remains a concern for humanitarian organizations and families of patients awaiting evacuation. The discrepancy between initial projections and actual capacity suggests that operational challenges may persist in the coming weeks.
Officials have not announced specific timelines for increasing capacity at the Rafah border crossing or resolving the obstacles that have limited patient departures. The situation remains fluid as coordination continues between Egyptian authorities, Palestinian officials, and other parties involved in managing the crossing’s operations.
