The first group of Palestinians who had been receiving treatment in Egypt returned to the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing. The bus carrying the patients was accompanied by vehicles from the World Health Organisation, and the arrivals will undergo mandatory medical examinations.
The bus carrying Palestinian citizens crossed the Rafah checkpoint and headed for the southern city of Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip, Egyptian television channel Al-Qahira Al-Ikhbariya reported on Tuesday.
According to the channel, this group of Palestinians had previously been treated in Egyptian medical facilities. The transport was accompanied by World Health Organisation vehicles, ensuring the safe return of the passengers.
Upon arrival in Khan Younis, the Palestinians will undergo mandatory medical examinations. The exact number of people on the bus has not yet been disclosed.
The Rafah crossing plays a key role in the implementation of the peace plan proposed last September by US President Donald Trump. At present, Israel allows only 50 Palestinians per day to cross the checkpoint, and only on foot, according to international agencies.
The Rafah crossing is coordinated with the Egyptian authorities and monitored by the European Union, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Return is only possible for residents who left Gaza during the war, after obtaining prior permission from the Israeli security services, passing an EU check at the crossing point and undergoing a second stage of identification in a special corridor under the control of the Israeli army.
From January 23 to 29, at least 13,800 tonnes of humanitarian aid from the UN and its partners were delivered through the checkpoints. Almost 60% of the cargo consisted of food, and shelter materials, school supplies, medical supplies, fuel and therapeutic food kits were also delivered.
