Overview
- The World Health Organization said the first medical evacuation through Rafah since early 2025 moved five patients and seven companions on February 2, far below the plan to allow about 50 patients per day.
- The Palestine Red Crescent Society said Israel suspended patient transfers on February 4 after patients had assembled to travel, while Israel’s COGAT said the crossing remains open but it has not received required coordination details from WHO.
- Gaza health officials reported between 18 and 23 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on Wednesday, including children and, in some accounts, a paramedic, as the Israeli military said it responded to gunfire that seriously wounded a reservist near the Yellow Line.
- Humanitarian groups say more than 18,000 injured people need medical attention, with Gaza’s Health Ministry estimating over 20,000 awaiting treatment or evacuation.
- Movement through the crossing remains tightly restricted under Israeli vetting, and returnees described being blindfolded, handcuffed and interrogated during passage, raising concerns about the securitization of civilian travel.