Gaza Strip - March 19, 2026 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of sign of Palestinian Red Crescent Society
2. Various of ambulances, other vehicles
3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Raed Al-Nams, spokesperson, Palestinian Red Crescent Society:
"Today, around 25 patients and their companions are expected to travel. These numbers are very limited compared to the long waiting lists of wounded and sick people in need of treatment abroad. We hope for real pressure to increase the numbers and keep the crossing open around the clock."
4. Various of Kamal Mousa, father of injured girl, getting off vehicle, walking, waving hands to others
5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Kamal Mousa, father of injured girl:
"My 17-year-old daughter was injured during the war after two of my children were killed in the shelling. She has a spinal cord injury, and we've been waiting for months for her to be allowed to travel for treatment."
6. Various of ambulances driving
7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Nizar Al-Wahidi, spokesperson, Gaza Health Ministry:
"Since the crossing reopened in early February, only very limited numbers of patients have been evacuated. In total, fewer than 400 patients have been allowed to leave over a month, far below the minimum needed."
8. Tents
9. Various of injured man outside makeshift tent

The reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, even for limited travel, is offering a lifeline for Palestinians, especially those in urgent need of medical treatment, according to families and aid workers.

The Rafah border crossing reopened on Thursday for the first time since Israel closed it on Feb 28.

The crossing reopened "in both directions," allowing Palestinian patients to cross from Gaza to Egypt for medical treatment, as well as allowing those who had received medical treatment in Egypt to go back into the enclave, according to the Egyptian Red Crescent.

On the day, Palestinians gathered in southern Gaza, preparing to travel through the crossing.

For many, the crossing represents their only chance to leave the besieged enclave, particularly the wounded and critically ill who cannot receive proper treatment inside Gaza.

"Today, around 25 patients and their companions are expected to travel. These numbers are very limited compared to the long waiting lists of wounded and sick people in need of treatment abroad. We hope for real pressure to increase the numbers and keep the crossing open around the clock," said Raed Al-Nams, spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.

Families said delays in travel approvals are worsening medical conditions, leaving many in a race against time.

"My 17-year-old daughter was injured during the war after two of my children were killed in the shelling. She has a spinal cord injury, and we’ve been waiting for months for her to be allowed to travel for treatment," said Kamal Mousa, father of an injured girl.

Thousands of patients remain on waiting lists, as Gaza’s healthcare system struggles under shortages of medicine, equipment, and specialized care.

"Since the crossing reopened in early February, only very limited numbers of patients have been evacuated. In total, fewer than 400 patients have been allowed to leave over a month, far below the minimum needed," said Nizar Al-Wahidi, spokesperson of the Gaza health ministry.

According to the ministry, around 20,000 patients need urgent medical evacuation. At least 1,268 patients died while waiting to travel, and many still wait for their turn to cross.