A new batch of returnees arrived in the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing on February 3.

Palestinian Huda Abu Abed sits with her family in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, after returning from Egypt via the Rafah crossing, February 3, 2026. /VCG

Israel officially reopened the Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt, for pedestrians on Monday, but it allows only a limited number of Palestinians to re-enter Gaza each day.

According to the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, only 12 Palestinians – nine women and three children – were permitted to be the first group to return via Rafah, while eight Palestinians were allowed to leave Gaza through the crossing for medical treatment in Egypt.

A returnee, speaking on condition of anonymity, said only a fraction of registered patients were allowed to cross. "Twelve of us entered Gaza, while the rest were sent back to Egypt. After months of waiting for treatment and safety, being turned away felt like a punishment," she said.

Returnees also reported strict limits on personal belongings. "Each traveler could carry only one bag of clothing. Other items, including children's toys, were confiscated. I saw a child cry as soldiers took her toy," said Om Ali, a returnee from Gaza City.