Rafah Crossing Opens for Patients Leaving Gaza, Thousands Remain Stranded Waiting for Passage.
The recent reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has sparked hope among many Palestinians seeking medical assistance. While the initial moment was met with enthusiasm, the limited number of patients permitted to cross has highlighted the ongoing humanitarian challenges facing Gaza. This situation underscores the urgent need for sustained efforts to address the healthcare crisis and improve access for those in desperate need.
Khan Younis, Gaza – The much-anticipated reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has begun, allowing a select few injured Palestinians to receive much-needed medical care. However, this newfound opportunity has been tempered by the reality that, on the first day of operations, only five patients were granted approval to exit. This stark figure serves as a reminder of the critical humanitarian needs that persist in the region.
Among the fortunate few was 17-year-old Mohammed Abu Mostafa, who traveled with his mother, Randa, to the crossing in a bid to seek care for his severe eye injury sustained during an Israeli airstrike. Randa received a notification early Monday that her son was included on the list of patients cleared to travel, and they quickly made their way to the Red Crescent Hospital in Khan Younis. The Rafah crossing, the only land route out of Gaza not controlled by Israel, had been shut down for two years due to ongoing hostilities, resulting in a significant humanitarian crisis that has left over 70,000 Palestinians in dire circumstances.
Despite the reopening’s significance as part of the U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire agreement, the reality of stringent restrictions has overshadowed expectations. The complexity and limitations of the process were expressed by Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Gaza’s al-Shifa Medical Complex, who noted that only this small group was permitted to leave, despite prior agreements that aimed to facilitate the exit of 50 patients daily in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Amidst this backdrop, many others continue to wait for the chance to travel for medical care. Ismail al-Thawabta from Gaza’s Government Media Office emphasized the dire need, stating that approximately 22,000 individuals require treatment abroad, while around 80,000 who had left during the conflict are eager to return.
As Mohammed’s mother Randa accompanied him on a journey marked by hope and anxiety, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity while mourning the absence of her other children at home. “My son regaining his sight is my only concern,” she declared poignantly.
In the courtyard of the Red Crescent Hospital, patients awaiting clearance formed a sea of frustration as only five were chosen to travel. Many, some with severe injuries, gathered in hopes of receiving essential treatment in Egypt. Meanwhile, the complex pre-travel security screening procedures, requiring Israeli approval, have underscored the challenges faced by those needing urgent medical assistance.
Despite the stringent measures in place, Petra, the European Union Border Assistance Mission present at Rafah, continues to monitor the situation, focusing on verifying identities but limited in facilitating smoother operations.
As patients across Gaza continue to grapple with their precarious health conditions, Ibrahim Abu Thuraya found himself among the fortunate few allowed to leave. He has faced immense struggles since losing his hand and sustaining serious eye injuries earlier in the conflict, yet maintains hope for a permanent solution enabling consistent access to life-saving medical care.
In times of such hardship, the reopening of Rafah serves not only as a potential lifeline but also highlights the pressing need for a comprehensive approach to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, ensuring that the voices of the injured and vulnerable are heard and acted upon.
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