Gaza evacuations begin as Rafah crossing reopens

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened Monday, allowing a small number of Palestinians to return home and patients to be evacuated, marking a symbolic step in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. About a dozen returnees entered Gaza from Egypt, while medical evacuees were transported to Egyptian hospitals. Travel remains limited, with no goods allowed and far fewer travelers than the 50 per direction initially expected. Approximately 20,000 Palestinians require medical care, and Egypt has prepared over 150 hospitals to receive patients, while the Red Crescent has established safe spaces near the border. The crossing, closed since Israel seized it in May 2024, is now monitored by European Union border patrols, with Israel and Egypt vetting travelers. Despite the ceasefire, violence continues in Gaza. A 3-year-old Palestinian was killed in Khan Younis by Israeli naval fire, and over 520 Palestinians have been killed under Israeli attacks since the truce began in October. The reopening of Rafah is considered a key step toward the ceasefire’s second phase, which involves rebuilding Gaza, installing a new Palestinian governing committee, disarming Hamas, and deploying an international security force to maintain stability. @@@