Approximately 20,000 Palestinians expected to leave territory for urgent medical care abroad
Preparations to reopen Gaza’s main border crossing into Rafah began on Sunday though it was uncertain if any Palestinians would pass through it before the day’s end, officials have said.
Before the war, the Rafah border crossing with Egypt was the only direct exit point for most Palestinians in Gaza to reach the outside world as well as a key entry point for aid. It has been largely shut since May 2024.
Cogat, the Israeli military unit that oversees humanitarian coordination, said the crossing will reopen in both directions for people in Gaza on foot only and its operation will be coordinated with Egypt and the EU.
“As part of the pilot for the initial operation of the crossing, all involved parties are carrying out a series of preliminary preparations aimed at increasing readiness for full operation of the crossing,” Cogat said on Sunday. “The actual passage of residents in both directions will begin upon completion of these preparations.”
