EGYPT STARTS ADMITTING WOUNDED, ILL PALESTINIANS FROM GAZA THROUGH RAFAH CROSSING

CAIRO, Feb 3 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- The first group of wounded and ill Palestinians crossed from the Gaza Strip into Egypt on Monday, marking a key step in the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, reported Xinhua.

Palestinian sources said five patients, accompanied by 10 relatives or caregivers, were transported from southern Gaza into Egypt for medical treatment.

While the agreement facilitates two-way movement, no Palestinians have yet re-entered the enclave from the Egyptian side.

Footage on social media showed a convoy of yellow ambulances ferrying patients across the border.

Egypt's state-linked Al-Qahera News, citing government officials, confirmed the transfer and said authorities had finalised logistical preparations to ensure "smooth passage."

Hospitals in El Arish, located in Egypt's North Sinai, have been placed on high alert, with medical teams, intensive care units, and operating theatres on standby to receive the evacuees.

The movement follows the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing, Gaza's sole gateway to the outside world, not controlled by Israel.

The terminal had remained largely shuttered since Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side of the border in May 2024, a move that deepened the humanitarian crisis for Gaza's 2.3 million residents.

The crossing reopened on a trial basis on Sunday before expanding operations on Monday under the terms stipulated for the second phase of a United States (US)-brokered Gaza ceasefire.

Under the current arrangement, approximately 150 Palestinians are permitted to exit Gaza daily, and up to 50 Palestinians are allowed to enter the enclave from Egypt.

The reopening is seen as a bellwether for the ceasefire's stability.

Mediators hope the renewed access will facilitate broader humanitarian aid and provide a reprieve for a population exhausted by more than 18 months of near-total isolation. 

--BERNAMA-XINHUA