The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has been reopened for the first time since May 2024, offering much-needed relief for many. On 1st February 2025, 37 sick and injured Palestinian children were evacuated to Egypt for medical treatment. This marks a critical step in addressing the severe health crisis in Gaza, where the healthcare system has been devastated by the ongoing conflict.

Rafah, located at Gaza’s southern border, is the only passage that does not go through Israel. Prior to its closure in May 2024, it facilitated the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The terminal’s reopening comes after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, allowing the exchange of prisoners and hostages. While 50 children were initially scheduled for evacuation, tragically, two children passed away before departure, and others were deemed too ill to travel or had lost contact with their medical teams.

The United Nations had previously called for the urgent evacuation of 2,500 children from Gaza, and the current ceasefire, which began on 19th January 2025, has allowed for increased humanitarian aid to reach the region. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reports that around 12,000 people urgently need medical care, highlighting the ongoing medical crisis.

This reopening provides hope for Gaza’s patients, enabling access to essential treatments in Egypt. However, challenges remain, particularly in maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring the safety of both patients and medical personnel during the evacuations and treatment process. Egypt has pledged its commitment to supporting these humanitarian efforts, emphasising the need for continued international cooperation to address Gaza’s pressing medical needs.