A significant humanitarian breakthrough occurred on Saturday as the Rafah crossing reopened, allowing 50 sick Palestinian children to enter Egypt for medical treatment. This is the first such opening since Israeli control began nine months ago, following diplomatic agreements related to a recent ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Thousands in Gaza still require similar medical evacuations as the health sector remains critically damaged.
On Saturday, the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened, allowing the safe passage of 50 sick and wounded Palestinian children for medical treatment. This event marks the first crossing since Israel captured the border nearly nine months ago, highlighting a crucial breakthrough tied to the ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas last month. Health officials have indicated that thousands of other Palestinians are awaiting similar evacuations due to deteriorating health conditions in Gaza.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing followed Hamas’s release of the last female hostages held in Gaza, which was part of the ceasefire agreement. Egyptian media reported on the arrival of these children, some of whom were in critical condition requiring immediate medical intervention. Videos captured showed a young girl who had her foot amputated being rushed to hospitals in el-Arish, Egypt, exemplifying the urgent nature of their medical needs.
According to Zaher al-Wahidi from Gaza’s Health Ministry, by Saturday evening, 37 of the children had successfully crossed into Egypt with approximately 60 family members accompanying them. The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the necessity for expedited medical evacuations, stating, “Thousands of lives depend on it.”
This initial group of children is expected to be part of an ongoing effort to facilitate regular medical evacuations through the Rafah crossing, which acts as the only exit point from Gaza that does not lead to Israel. The Gaza health sector, severely impacted by the current conflict, has left many hospitals inoperative and more than 110,000 Palestinians injured, escalating the need for immediate medical resources.
Before this reopening, the Rafah crossing had been closed since May following Israel’s occupation during military operations. It has historically served as a vital outlet for those in desperate need of medical treatments that are unavailable in Gaza, such as chemotherapy. The negotiations to reopen this crossing involved intricate discussions aimed at addressing security concerns between Israeli, Egyptian, and Palestinian authorities.
Israeli forces continue to monitor the Rafah crossing and surrounding areas, prohibiting Hamas from regaining control while keeping restrictions on the Palestinian Authority’s role. Reports indicate Palestinian officials from Gaza, who previously worked as border officers, will staff the crossing but without displaying any official Palestinian Authority insignia, as per the current security arrangements. European Union monitors are expected to be present, similar to prior operations before 2007.
Negotiations will continue regarding further phases of the ceasefire agreement, which includes the prospect of Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza and the release of any remaining hostages. The complexities of control and jurisdiction over post-war Gaza remain contentious, with Israel opposing the notion of a Palestinian Authority-led administration in the region.
The Rafah crossing serves as a pivotal exit point for Gaza, particularly during crises, enabling sick and wounded individuals to access medical care unavailable in their territory. Gaza’s health system has been under significant strain due to ongoing military actions and blockades, hampering access to essential medical services. The recent reopening of this crossing followed diplomatic efforts linked to a broader ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, addressing critical humanitarian needs.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing signifies an important humanitarian development, enabling the safe passage of sick children needing medical treatment. However, ongoing discussions about the future management of such crossings and the overall health infrastructure in Gaza remain critical as health officials stress the urgency for higher evacuation volumes. The situation underscores the continual impact of geopolitical tensions on public health crises in the region.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
