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Restricted Rafah Reopening Yields Few Crossings as UN Presses for Access

Global health officials warn the tightly controlled pilot risks deadly delays for thousands needing treatment.

Overview

  • On day one, five patients with seven companions exited to Egypt and roughly a dozen people re-entered Gaza, far below stated daily targets.
  • On day two, WHO reported only 16 additional patient evacuations through Rafah despite expectations of about 50 each way.
  • Movement requires Egyptian registration, Shin Bet approval, PA/EU processing and Israeli-operated identification checks, with Israel retaining final screening authority.
  • Returnees described blindfolding, handcuffing, interrogations and confiscation of belongings during Israeli screening; the Israeli military issued an official denial of misconduct.
  • WHO and the UN reiterated urgent calls for rapid, unimpeded humanitarian passage as an estimated 18,000–20,000 Gazans await evacuation from a devastated health system.