Israeli court blocks life-saving cancer care for boy, 5, due to his Gaza address

Palestinian women returning to Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt in February 2026 are recounting experiences of detention and interrogation by Israeli forces. The women, including Rotana al-Raqab and her mother, Huda Abu Abed, had been stranded in Egypt since March 2025, seeking medical treatment. Despite the Rafah crossing not crossing Israeli territory, it has been largely closed since May 2024, and its partial reopening is linked to the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal. Upon their return, the women describe enduring body searches, interrogations, and confiscation of belongings. They had been separated from their families in Gaza, including Rotana's six children, and were eager to return amidst ongoing Israeli attacks.

After the Rafah border crossing reopened, Palestinian women returning to Gaza reported being bound and interrogated by Israeli troops. The crossing's reopening allowed some Palestinians to return from Egypt. One woman described the journey back to Gaza as "exhausting" and lengthy. Rotana al-Regeb reunited with her children in Khan Younis after being allowed back into Gaza. Twelve Palestinian returnees, including Rotana al-Regeb and her mother, arrived at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis after crossing the border. The Rafah crossing had been long-awaited to reopen.

The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt partially reopened, allowing a limited number of Palestinians to return to Gaza after being largely closed since May 2024. The reopening brought emotional reunions, but also frustration due to strict Israeli inspections and confiscations at the crossing. While the reopening is seen as a "window of hope," the number of people allowed to cross was significantly lower than expected, with concerns raised that the aim is to encourage Palestinians to leave Gaza rather than return. Egypt has insisted on equal numbers entering and exiting Gaza, warning against displacement. The reopening is part of a Gaza truce proposal.

Overnight Israeli attacks across Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 10 Palestinians, including a four-year-old girl. The attacks occurred on Tuesday, February 4, 2026. The reason for the attacks was not stated in the article. A Red Cross worker is urging more aid access, recounting time in Gaza. In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Israel to allow immediate and unimpeded humanitarian aid into Gaza, as Israeli authorities are blocking many Palestinians from exiting through the Rafah crossing for medical treatment. The appeal was made as over 100 sick and injured Palestinians gathered at the reopened Rafah crossing, hoping to access medical care in Egypt. However, only a small fraction were allowed to cross, far below the agreed-upon number. The delays and restrictions at Rafah are causing significant concern, with an estimated 20,000 people in Gaza awaiting urgent medical attention abroad. Separately, Israeli forces shot and killed a 19-year-old Palestinian near Khan Younis.

In February 2026, Red Cross worker Patrick Griffiths urged increased aid access to Gaza as he concluded his time there. Griffiths expressed hope that the opening of the Rafah crossing would provide an opportunity for Palestinians to recover. He emphasized that Israel, as the occupying power, has a responsibility to ensure the needs of the people in Gaza are met. Griffiths' statement highlights the ongoing humanitarian concerns and the need for greater support for the population in Gaza. The Red Cross continues to advocate for improved access and assistance to address the challenges faced by Palestinians in the region.

The Rafah border crossing with Egypt has reopened, allowing a small number of Palestinians to enter and leave Gaza. On Monday, five patients and their escorts were allowed to leave for Egypt, while 12 people were permitted to return to Gaza. The reopening was supposed to alleviate the 18-month military siege on Gaza but was marred by tight security restrictions and bureaucratic delays. Israeli authorities imposed strict controls, including requiring only those who left Gaza during the war to be allowed entry. Only a fraction of the promised 50 people were allowed to pass through in each direction. The reopening came after long delays, with many Palestinians waiting anxiously for access to their homes and medical treatment.

On February 3, 2026, Israel reopened the Rafah crossing, allowing only five critically ill Palestinian patients to exit Gaza for medical treatment after nearly two years of closure. Simultaneously, Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian individual south of Khan Younis. These events occurred amidst a rising death toll following days of Israeli attacks on civilians in Gaza, including women and children. The limited reopening of the Rafah crossing aimed to provide medical assistance to those in critical condition. The killing near Khan Younis contributes to the ongoing conflict and escalating casualties in the region.

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened after being closed for months due to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The reopening, part of a US-brokered ceasefire, raised hopes for easing the humanitarian crisis. However, Israel has imposed strict conditions on movement, primarily allowing medical evacuations. While some people can now move in both directions, much-needed humanitarian aid and construction materials remain blocked from entering Gaza. Experts question whether the reopening will significantly alleviate the suffering of Palestinians, given the restrictions and the extensive damage in Gaza. The discussion involves perspectives from a former Egyptian foreign minister, a medical care CEO, and a political analyst. The report was published on February 2, 2026.

A 3-year-old child in Gaza died while waiting for the Rafah crossing to reopen, according to a February 2, 2026, Al Jazeera report. The report highlights the critical situation of Gazans needing urgent medical treatment abroad. The Rafah crossing's reopening, long-awaited by those requiring life-saving care, came too late for some. Al Jazeera spoke with the child's mother, illustrating the tragic consequences of the crossing's closure on families seeking medical assistance. The report emphasizes the urgency of consistent access to the Rafah crossing for individuals in Gaza with severe health conditions.

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, largely closed since May 2024, has reopened for limited pedestrian travel. Meanwhile, over 400 former European diplomats and officials are urging the EU to increase pressure on Israel. They are calling for an end to what they describe as "excesses and unremitting violations of international law" in Gaza and the West Bank. This statement, expected to be sent to EU leaders, requests the bloc to act in accordance with its support for a two-state solution and lasting peace in the Middle East. The diplomats and officials are advocating for action aligned with a UN resolution.