Rafah receives second group of Palestinians returning to Gaza

The Rafah border crossing received a second group of Palestinians returning to Gaza from Egypt, a day after the crossing officially reopened following months of closure, Egyptian state media reported.

Tuesday's returnees, who had been receiving medical care in Egyptian hospitals, completed entry procedures on the Egyptian side before crossing into Gaza. 

Palestinian media said a bus carrying 12 people arrived at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis late on Monday after passing through Rafah.

Gaza's health authorities say about 22,000 Palestinians urgently require treatment outside the enclave, including more than 400 critical cases. 

The Palestinian side of the crossing resumed operations on Monday for the first time since May 2024, after a trial reopening on Sunday, as part of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Egypt's Health Ministry said it has placed around 12,000 doctors across 150 hospitals on standby to receive wounded Palestinians and patients. 

The reopening comes amid a fragile ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025, ending two years of fighting that Gaza health officials say killed at least 71,800 Palestinians and injured more than 171,500.