Second Group of Palestinians Re-enters Gaza as Rafah Crossing Remains Partially Open

RAFAH, Egypt : A second group of Palestinians returning to the Gaza Strip arrived on Tuesday at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to complete entry procedures, Egyptian media reported, highlighting the continued but limited reopening of Gaza’s only non-Israeli-controlled gateway.

According to Al Qahera News, the returnees had previously traveled to Egypt for medical treatment and healthcare. They reached the Rafah crossing earlier in the day to finalise administrative formalities before re-entering Gaza.

The latest arrivals come one day after Israel partially reopened the Rafah crossing, ending months of near-total closure. On Monday morning, the first group of Palestinians returning from Egypt arrived at the crossing en route to Gaza, Egyptian media said.

However, Israeli media reported that only around 50 Palestinians are expected to be allowed to enter Gaza on Tuesday, while approximately 150 patients and their companions are scheduled to leave the enclave for medical treatment in Egypt. Health officials in Gaza estimate that nearly 22,000 patients remain on waiting lists, pending the full reopening of the crossing.

Rafah serves as a vital lifeline for humanitarian aid deliveries and medical evacuations. Israeli forces took control of the crossing in May 2024, nearly nine months into the war on Gaza, which local authorities say has killed more than 71,000 people and wounded over 171,000 since October 2023.

Despite a ceasefire declared in October 2025, Gaza’s government media office reports that Israeli attacks have continued, resulting in 524 deaths and 1,360 injuries since the truce took effect.

Under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, the Rafah terminal was expected to reopen in October. However, Israel delayed the move until the remains of its last captive in Gaza were returned last week.