Rafah: A new group of Palestinians returning to the Gaza Strip arrived Tuesday morning at the main square of the Rafah land crossing from the Egyptian side, ahead of their return to Gaza, security sources at the crossing said. A team from the Egyptian Red Crescent received the returning Palestinians at the Rafah crossing, facilitating procedures in coordination with relevant authorities, and distributing meals, water and juice.

According to State Information Service Egypt, sweets and chocolate were also handed out to children, and psychological support was provided. Separately, Egyptian authorities are preparing to receive the seventh group of wounded and sick Palestinians from Gaza for treatment at Egyptian hospitals. The Health Ministry has set up a medical point at the Rafah crossing to examine arrivals, triage cases, and transfer them to hospitals via fully equipped Egyptian ambulances.

The Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip was reopened in both directions over a week ago, allowing the movement of Palestinians between Egypt and Gaza. Israel later closed the crossing from the Palestinian side on Friday and Saturday, citing the weekend. The sources said the reopening of the crossing came after the second phase of the ceasefire entered into force and following Egyptian and US pressure, after Israel closed the crossing from the Palestinian side in May 2024.

Six previous groups of Palestinians returned to Gaza over the past few days, while Egypt received a number of wounded and sick Palestinians for treatment at its hospitals.