RAFAH, Palestine: Palestinians were on Monday awaiting a full reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, after Israel partially reopened it a day earlier, nearly two years after seizing control of the key gateway during the war with Hamas.
The resumption of operations in a tightly restricted pilot phase on Sunday came after months of appeals from aid groups.
Israeli state broadcaster Kan reported that around 150 people were expected to leave Gaza for Egypt on Monday, including 50 patients. The report said around 50 people were also expected to enter the territory.
Kan said the crossing would be open for about six hours daily.
AFP images from Sunday showed ambulances queued up on the Egyptian side preparing to receive medical evacuees, who were expected to be the first groups allowed out.
An official at Gaza’s health ministry, which operates under Hamas authority, said about 200 patients were waiting for permission to leave the territory.
“The Rafah crossing is a lifeline,” said Mohammed Nassir, a Palestinian who had his leg amputated after being injured early in the war.
“I need to undergo surgery that is unavailable in Gaza but can be performed abroad.”
Rafah is considered a key entry point for aid into Gaza, where humanitarian conditions remain dire after two years of war in spite of a ceasefire in place since October 10.