Gaza’s border with Egypt is reopening to allow sick and wounded Palestinians to leave, officials said Friday, after more than eight months during which many who have needed medical care were trapped.
Reopening the crossing at Rafah, which has long been Gaza’s lifeline to the outside world, is a key stipulation of the cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. Mediators hope that the agreement, which has begun with a 42-day cease-fire and hostage-for-prisoner swaps, will ultimately end the devastating 15-month-long war in Gaza.
As part of the truce, Israel agreed to reopen the Rafah crossing after the release of the remaining living female hostages held by Hamas, which took place on Thursday. Israel committed to allowing up to 50 sick and wounded Palestinian fighters to leave through Rafah per day, in addition to Palestinian women and children who need medical care.
The first group of Gazans was expected to leave on Saturday, now that European and Palestinian officials have conducted a trial run of the new arrangements at the crossing, according to two European diplomats who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the delicate preparations.
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