Gaza's Health Ministry announced on Friday that the first group of patients and wounded will leave the Strip through the Rafah Crossing on Saturday. The ministry stated that patients and their companions will be contacted to arrange travel procedures, with transportation organized by the World Health Organization (WHO).  

Egypt's North Sinai Governor Khaled Mogaweer confirmed the reopening of the Rafah Crossing and the start of patient admissions on Friday.

Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the resumption of the EU Border Assistance Mission at Rafah to support Palestinian border staff and facilitate medical evacuations. 

The WHO estimates that 12,000 to 14,000 people in Gaza still require urgent medical evacuation and welcomed the planned transfer of around 50 patients on Saturday the first since the ceasefire and the first via Rafah since its closure in May 2024.  

Israeli media reported that 50 wounded Palestinians will leave Gaza through Rafah after receiving security clearance from Israel's Shin Bet.

The crossing had been shut for months after Israel expanded its military offensive to Rafah last year.