Dozens of Palestinians Return to Gaza Strip via Rafah Crossing Amid Tight Israeli Restrictions

Local sources reported the arrival of 46 Palestinian citizens, including women, children, and patients, to the Gaza Strip last Wednesday evening via the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. This return comes amid tight Israeli restrictions imposed by the occupation authorities on movement at the crossing, which they have militarily controlled since May of last year.

Medical sources at the government media office confirmed that the returnees were immediately transferred to Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis city, south of the Strip, upon their arrival. The sources clarified that among the returnees were medical cases that had been receiving treatment in external hospitals before being able to return home under the current circumstances.

In a related context, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society revealed that 47 people departed from the Strip towards Egyptian territories on the same day. The departing list included 17 patients and 30 escorts, in an attempt to secure necessary medical care for the wounded whose treatment within Gaza was impossible due to the collapse of the healthcare system.

The Israeli occupation authorities had reopened the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing on February 2nd, but this step remained symbolic and very limited. Israel imposes strict surveillance and crippling restrictions that prevent the natural flow of travelers and goods, hindering the implementation of previous international understandings.

The government media office in Gaza indicated that the total number of those who were able to cross back and forth since the reopening of the crossing did not exceed 488 travelers. This figure represents only about 27% of the total 1800 travelers who were supposed to cross according to the specified schedules, reflecting a clear evasion of the occupation's commitments.

Statistical data indicates that 275 travelers departed from the Strip since the beginning of this month, while another 213 were able to return. In contrast, sources recorded the occupation authorities' refusal to allow 26 people to depart to the Egyptian side without clear reasons, increasing the suffering of those stranded on both sides of the border.

Despite expectations published by international media of 100 people crossing daily in both directions, the reality on the ground proves the exact opposite. The actual numbers are still far from meeting urgent humanitarian needs, especially with thousands of emergency cases awaiting their turn to travel.

Health authorities in Gaza estimate that there are approximately 22,000 wounded and sick people in urgent need of leaving the Strip immediately to receive specialized treatment. This need arises from the catastrophic situation in the health sector due to the ongoing war of extermination, which has rendered most major hospitals completely out of service.

In an indication of steadfastness on their land, semi-official data revealed that approximately 80,000 Palestinians have registered on lists to return to the Gaza Strip from abroad. This figure reflects widespread popular insistence on rejecting forced displacement plans and the desire to return home despite the destruction that has affected most residential areas.

It is worth noting that the ceasefire agreement that came into effect in October 2025 stipulated the normal reopening of the crossing in its first phase. However, Israel continues to procrastinate in implementing the terms of the agreement, at a time when the war has left more than 72,000 martyrs and destroyed 90% of the civilian infrastructure in the Strip.

The registration of approximately 80,000 Palestinians to return to Gaza reflects a popular insistence on rejecting displacement and holding onto their land despite the immense destruction.