Gaza patients head to Rafah crossing as returns continue

The Rafah crossing partially reopened and 25 Palestinians returned to Gaza while about 13 patients were moved toward the border for medical treatment abroad; the pace of evacuations remains slower than the ceasefire agreement envisioned.

The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has been partially reopened, allowing some Palestinians to return and a small number of patients to be moved toward treatment abroad. A group of 25 returnees arrived in Khan Younis and were taken to Nasser Hospital after a long journey. Medical transfers have proceeded in limited numbers even as reports describe continuing attacks in parts of Gaza. Officials and observers say the pace of evacuations falls short of what was agreed in the ceasefire arrangement. Known developments: - The crossing was partially reopened and 25 Palestinians returned to Gaza, arriving in Khan Younis and receiving transport to a local hospital. - About 13 patients were transferred from a Gaza hospital toward the Rafah crossing to seek medical treatment abroad, accompanied by family members and WHO officials. - The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports 22 hospitals out of service and a high number of medical personnel killed, and evacuations are proceeding more slowly than the agreement’s daily target for patient transfers. Summary: The partial reopening has allowed some returns and a small number of medical transfers, but the volume of evacuations is far below the levels described in the ceasefire arrangement. Undetermined at this time.