Twelve Palestinians – nine women and three children – crossed into Gaza yesterday through the Rafah border with Egypt, marking the first group allowed since Israel reopened the pedestrian crossing this week. The move comes with strict limitations, sparking emotional scenes as returnees described belongings confiscated and families separated.
Israel resumed operations at Rafah on Monday (Feb 2), but only permits a small daily quota of entries. A Hamas-run media office confirmed eight other Palestinians were allowed to leave Gaza for medical treatment in Egypt the same day.
🚨 "Twelve of us entered Gaza, while the rest were sent back to Egypt. After months of waiting for treatment and safety, being turned away felt like a punishment," one anonymous returnee told reporters. Another described Israeli soldiers confiscating children's toys at the checkpoint, leaving a young girl in tears.
Travelers reported being limited to one clothing bag each, with all other items prohibited. The restrictions highlight ongoing tensions in the region as humanitarian groups call for expanded access to essential supplies and family reunifications.
