Rafah reopening brought a difficult return to Gaza for one Palestinian

A Palestinian woman reported long waits, searches and questioning when returning to Gaza through the Rafah crossing after it reopened; UN and Palestinian health figures show only a small number of medical evacuations have taken place while hundreds remain awaiting transfer.

Sabah Al-Raqab returned to Gaza through the Rafah crossing after it reopened last week. She had been outside Gaza for more than two years following a medical referral for her daughter. She reported experiencing long waits, security searches and questioning during the return process. On arrival she found her home destroyed and learned some family members had been killed. Key developments: - The Rafah crossing reopened last week, with intermittent closures in the first days, and only a limited number of people were allowed to leave for medical reasons in the initial movements. - UN data cited small numbers of medical evacuations in the first days, and the Palestinian Ministry of Health said about 500 patients a day need evacuation; roughly 200 patients were reported to be waiting at the crossing. - Multiple authorities and missions are involved in operating the crossing, and movement has required prior approvals and security checks, according to the report. - Al-Raqab reported delays, searches and questioning during her transit and said she discovered significant destruction in her neighbourhood on returning. Summary: The account highlights arduous conditions faced by returnees at the reopened Rafah crossing and reports of limited medical evacuations amid ongoing demand. Undetermined at this time.