Ceasefire Deal Leads to Hostage Exchange and Rafah Crossing Reopening

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“The small numbers set to be evacuated will not cover the need, and we hope the number will increase,” Zaqout emphasized.

Rafah Crossing Closure and Reopening

Israeli forces had shut down the Rafah Crossing in early May after capturing it during an offensive in the southern city. Egypt subsequently closed its side of the passage in protest. 

However, as part of the ceasefire deal, Israel agreed to reopen the crossing after Hamas released the last living female hostages in Gaza.

Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry, said more than 6,000 patients were ready to be evacuated internationally. And 12,000 more patients still required treatment.

The reopening of the Rafah Crossing and the hostage-prisoner exchange represents a critical step in ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

While these developments offer somewhat of a reprieve, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire.