A total of 12 Palestinians, including nine women and three children, returned to the war-torn Gaza Strip from Egypt on Monday, the first day of the official reopening of the Rafah crossing, said a statement released by the Ministry of Interior and National Security in Gaza on Tuesday.
All the 12 people received medical assistance and completed the necessary entry procedures, the statement said.
Located at Gaza's southern border with Egypt, the Rafah crossing had been largely closed since May 2024, when Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side of the crossing. Prior to its closure, Rafah had served as Gaza's main gateway to the outside world and a key entry point for international humanitarian aid.
The crossing began a trial operation on February 1 and was officially reopened on February 2, allowing limited two-way access of people under restricted conditions.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) issued a statement on Tuesday, condemning Israel's detention and harsh screening of Palestinian returnees at the Rafah crossing.
Hamas said the measures went beyond normal security checks and were intended to intimidate civilians and prevent them from returning home.
Hamas called on Israel to comply with the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement by fully and unrestrictedly reopening the Rafah crossing and ensuring the safety and freedom of access of people.
12 Palestinians return to Gaza on first day of Rafah crossing reopening
12 Palestinians return to Gaza on first day of Rafah crossing reopening
