Israeli forces have restricted the return of Palestinians to Gaza via the Rafah crossing. According to a Palestinian official speaking to Al Mayadeen on Sunday, Israeli forces have deployed around one kilometre from the crossing and are preventing Palestinians from returning to Gaza through this route. The Israeli occupation is refusing the presence of personnel they describe as "employees affiliated with Hamas" and demands that no symbols of Palestinian sovereignty, such as the Palestinian flag, be displayed.

Currently, a small team from the Palestinian Authority manages operations at Rafah, under the supervision of European Union representatives. The crossing is primarily used to facilitate the evacuation of 100 patients and injured individuals for medical treatment in Egypt, along with 50 other humanitarian cases.

The European Union resumed its civilian monitoring mission at Rafah on 31 January. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, had stated that the mission would support Palestinian border staff and help facilitate the departure of individuals from Gaza, particularly those requiring medical care.

On Saturday, 50 injured and ill Palestinians, along with their companions, passed through the Rafah crossing. This was the first group to transit through the point since its complete closure in May 2024.

Egyptian media reported that preparations were underway to welcome Palestinian victims, with buses provided through the World Health Organization. On Tuesday, North Sinai Governor Khaled Mojawer announced the reopening of the Rafah crossing to accommodate the injured and ill Palestinians who would be treated in Egyptian hospitals. During his visit, Mojawer said that "the Egyptian side of the crossing is 1000% ready," while the Palestinian side will be operational in a few days after repair work from the damages caused during the Israeli offensive against Gaza.