Another 25 Palestinians Return to Gaza via Rafah Border

They entered Gaza early Thursday morning, reaching Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis after about 20 hours of travel from El Arish, Egypt. This was the third batch of Palestinians returning since the partial opening.

On the same day, 13 seriously ill Palestinian patients were accompanied to the border by family members and WHO representatives for medical treatment abroad.

Several returnees reported being handcuffed, blindfolded, and subjected to invasive body searches during border crossing. Human rights groups claim that although Rafah is meant to be a humanitarian corridor, it is effectively used as a tool for control and repression.

Despite the partial reopening, Israeli attacks continued in different areas of Gaza. On Thursday, airstrikes were reported in Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah, while shelling in the eastern city of Tuffah kept residents in fear. Local residents stated that despite the declared ceasefire, actual attacks have not stopped, leaving civilians trapped between the risk of staying home and the fear of displacement.

About 20,000 people in Gaza are reported to be in urgent need of medical care. The Rafah border is the only entry and exit point for nearly two million Gazans, and strict security checks are in place on both sides.