Rafah Crossing Reopens: Critically Injured Gazan Evacuated to Egypt for Urgent Treatment

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt reopened the vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday, facilitating the first medical evacuation from the Gaza Strip since its closure earlier this month. A Palestinian patient with critical injuries was transferred to an Egyptian hospital for urgent treatment unavailable in Gaza's overwhelmed healthcare system.

The reopening, coordinated with international mediators, offers a fragile lifeline for hundreds of Gazans requiring advanced medical care. The Rafah crossing, Gaza's primary gateway to the outside world not controlled by Israel, has been repeatedly shut amid the ongoing conflict, severely hampering humanitarian and medical corridors.

"This single evacuation is a relief, but it underscores a catastrophic reality," said a World Health Organization (WHO) official on condition of anonymity. "Gaza's hospitals are operating beyond capacity. Every delayed evacuation risks lives."

Analysts note the move signals temporary diplomatic progress but falls short of addressing the scale of medical need. With most other crossings closed, Rafah remains the only feasible route for critical cases, though its operation is inconsistent and subject to political and security fluctuations.

Voices from the Region

Dr. Layla Hassan, Medical Coordinator, Cairo: "This is a procedural step, not a solution. We need guaranteed, sustained access. For every patient who makes it out, dozens are turned away due to bureaucracy or sudden closures."

Markus Schmidt, European Aid Worker: "It's a small win for human dignity. However, we must remember this crossing should never have been closed to medical cases in the first place. International law is clear on this point."

Ahmed Faris, Political Commentator (Sharper Tone): "One evacuation while thousands suffer? This is a cynical publicity gesture. The underlying siege continues unabated. The world applauds a trickle where a flood of aid and medical access is desperately needed. It's a disgrace."

Sarah Chen, UN Humanitarian Affairs Officer: "Our priority is establishing predictability. We are working around the clock to negotiate longer-term openings to create a reliable pipeline for medicine, fuel, and patient transfers."