GAZA, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said Wednesday that coordination for patients traveling from Gaza through Rafah crossing has resumed.
Raed al-Nams, spokesperson for the society, told Xinhua that the World Health Organization (WHO) had notified them of the resumed coordination shortly after the initial announcement of the suspension.
Earlier in the day, the PRCS said that Israeli authorities had canceled the departure of the third group of patients scheduled to travel through the crossing.
The PRCS remains committed to evacuating wounded and critically ill patients from Gaza to receive treatment abroad, Al-Nams said, noting that current efforts are insufficient to address the vast medical needs.
He added that five patients and 10 companions were evacuated on the first day, while 16 patients and 40 companions crossed on the second day.
The Rafah border crossing on the Palestinian side reopened on Monday for the first time in more than a year and a half, following a trial phase on Sunday, as part of the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Meanwhile, returnees at the Rafah crossing have encountered procedural challenges and strict restrictions from Israel, such as intensive security screenings and luggage checks. A total of 12 Palestinians were allowed to return to Gaza through Rafah from the Egyptian side.
Hamas condemned the treatment of returnees in a statement on Tuesday, describing it as mistreatment, abuse, and deliberate extortion, amounting to collective punishment.
The group urged mediators and guarantor countries to take immediate action to halt Israel's measures, fully reopen the Rafah crossing, and ensure safe, unrestricted movement in line with the ceasefire agreement.
Israel took control of the Rafah crossing following its offensive on the city of Rafah in May 2024, isolating the enclave from the outside world and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The Rafah crossing is Gaza's main lifeline and was used before the war for the movement of people and commercial activities. ■
