Israel eases Rafah restrictions amid fragile Gaza ceasefire

After nearly three weeks, Israel has reopened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to allow some wounded Palestinians to leave for medical treatment. According to the Red Crescent, eight of the wounded and their 17 family members were allowed to leave.

The opening of the crossing follows talks held in Cairo by envoys of US President Donald Trump with Hamas officials. The aim was to maintain the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which is under pressure following recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

The Rafah crossing has been mostly closed since May 2024 and only reopened in early February. Its reopening allows Palestinians to travel for medical care or to return to Gaza.

However, the situation in the area remains tense. According to local medics, Israeli air strikes in Gaza City on Thursday left at least four people dead and several injured. Israel did not immediately comment on the incidents.

Nearly 680 people have died in Gaza since the October ceasefire, according to the health ministry. Israel says militants have killed four of its soldiers in the same period. Both sides accuse each other of ceasefire violations.

(reuters, max)