GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), Thirty-six Palestinians arrived overnight at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis as part of the 16th group allowed to return to Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt, amid mixed feelings of joy and grief following years of separation during Israel’s genocide.
Families gathered to welcome their loved ones, many of whom appeared exhausted after lengthy Israeli procedures at the crossing, including extended interrogations, according to local sources.
“My mother is my soul and my life,” said Alaa Farwa, who had been waiting for her mother’s arrival. “I feel overwhelming joy that she will be with us, especially during Ramadan. Being separated from her for two years was the hardest thing.”
Fayrouz Farwa, after performing a prayer of gratitude upon her return, said she had nearly lost hope of coming back. “When I registered online, the approval came quickly. The journey was exhausting, but all of that disappeared when I reunited with my family,” she said.
Another returnee, Mohammed Mhanna, expressed happiness at returning despite having suffered serious injuries in Israeli bombardment and losing his father, mother and older brother during the genocide.
Israeli occupation authorities reopened the Rafah crossing on February 2 on a very limited basis and under strict conditions, after it had been closed since May 2024 when Israeli forces invaded Rafah.
Gaza government sources say Israel continues to restrict travel in both directions and has not adhered to the agreed movement numbers under the ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025.
Before the genocide, hundreds of Palestinians crossed Rafah daily in both directions under a coordination mechanism managed by Gaza’s Interior Ministry and Egyptian authorities, without Israeli involvement.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s genocide in Gaza has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians and injured over 171,000, most of them women and children, while devastating around 90 percent of the enclave’s civilian infrastructure.
