In a significant development under the ceasefire terms, the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt was reopened on Saturday, facilitating the exit of 50 sick and wounded Palestinians for medical treatment abroad.

This group, primarily composed of children battling cancer and heart conditions, was escorted by a delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The evacuation commenced from Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, where the children and their families gathered before being transported in two large buses and ambulances to the Rafah crossing. The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza confirmed the departure, highlighting the dire medical needs within the Strip.

Despite this movement, the WHO estimates that between 12,000 to 14,000 individuals still urgently require specialized medical care outside of Gaza, underscoring the ongoing health crisis in the region.

In a related development, the European Union announced the deployment of its civilian mission to monitor activities at the Rafah crossing. EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, took to social media to affirm that the European border monitoring mission was deployed on Friday to assist and support Palestinian border personnel at this critical junction.

This initiative not only aids in the medical evacuation but also aims to ensure stability and transparency at one of Gaza's key gateways to the outside world. (ILKHA)