Gaza Patients Flee to Rafah Crossing Amid Renewed Israeli Attacks

The situation in Gaza remains dire as Palestinians continue to flee to the Rafah crossing amid renewed Israeli attacks. Recently, 25 Palestinians returned to Gaza through the Rafah crossing after its partial reopening. They shared experiences of a grueling journey through Israeli security measures.

Current Events at Rafah Crossing

The Rafah crossing is the only route for most of Gaza’s two million inhabitants. It was partially reopened on Monday as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. This reopening aims to facilitate the return of Palestinians who left the territory and to evacuate those needing urgent medical treatment abroad.

Journey Details

• The 25 returnees entered Gaza at 3 a.m. local time (01:00 GMT) after a 20-hour journey from El Arish, Egypt.
• They were transported to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
• Returnees described being interrogated and insulted by Israeli forces during security checks.

Emotional Reunions

Upon their arrival, many exhibited a mix of happiness and sadness. Aicha Balaoui, one of the returnees, expressed her conflicting emotions. While she was glad to reunite with family, the devastation in Gaza deeply affected her.

Medical Evacuations Fall Short

Along with returnees, seven Palestinian patients were transferred toward the Rafah crossing for medical treatment abroad. However, the pace of medical evacuations since the crossing’s reopening has been disappointing.

• Only about 30 patients have been evacuated this week, despite an agreement to transport 50 daily.
• This slow progress poses significant challenges for the approximately 20,000 patients seeking medical assistance.

Health officials warn that the current rate may delay necessary treatments for years. Gaza’s healthcare system is in ruins, with 22 hospitals nonoperational and 1,700 medical workers killed since the ongoing conflict began, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Continuing Israeli Attacks

While some Palestinians are returning home, Israeli attacks persist across Gaza. One Palestinian was killed and another injured in Khan Younis recently. Reports also indicate that airstrikes targeted various areas, leaving many residents trapped in their neighborhoods.

The conflict continues to unfold with grave humanitarian consequences, highlighting the urgent need for a more effective resolution to the crisis in Gaza.