After 18 months of closure, the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened on Monday, offering a lifeline to Palestinians in urgent need of medical care.

Yet, Israeli-imposed limits meant only five patients were permitted to leave on the first day, leaving hundreds more waiting.

The partial reopening of Rafah, Gaza’s only land crossing not controlled by Israel, allowed a small group of patients to travel for treatment abroad. Among them was 17-year-old Mohammed Abu Mostafa, injured in an Israeli airstrike a year and a half ago, who traveled with his mother, Randa, from southern Gaza’s Khan Younis.

Randa expressed relief at finally being able to accompany her son, though she had to leave four of her six children behind due to Israeli rules limiting travel companions.

“What matters to me now is that my son regains his sight and can see again with his own eyes. That is my only concern at the moment,” she said.

Israeli restrictions limit number of travelers

Despite prior plans to allow 50 patients to leave Gaza daily, Israeli authorities permitted only five patients to travel on Monday, accompanied by two family members each, totaling 15 individuals. Additional 50 Palestinians were reportedly allowed to return to Gaza from Egypt, though their arrivals remain unconfirmed.

The multi-stage security procedure requires pre-travel Israeli clearance, identity verification, and multiple inspections, leading to frustration among patients and families waiting at the Red Crescent Hospital.

“Patients with amputations and severe injuries have been waiting for months. Yet only five were allowed to leave today,” Raed al-Nims, Gaza Red Crescent’s head of media, said.

Germany welcomed Rafah’s reopening, describing it as a key step in implementing the US-backed “20-point plan” for Gaza. The German foreign ministry urged the opening of additional crossings to expedite humanitarian aid, essential supplies, and medical assistance.

The European Union Border Assistance Mission continues to monitor the process, verifying identities but unable to influence the number of travelers allowed.