Rafah Reopens, But Gaza Medical Exits Remain Limited (Full Transcript)

[00:00:00] Speaker 1: All Palestinians are expected to pass through the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt following its reopening. The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had transported 16 patients with companions to a hospital in southern Gaza earlier today. They had then been taken in ambulances to the crossing in the hope they could depart for Egypt. On Monday, just five patients left Gaza with companions and 12 people were allowed to return. That is far fewer than the 50 patients that had been promised. About 20,000 Palestinians are hoping to leave the territory for medical treatment. Many thousands want to return home. The UN World Food Programme says that supplies to Gaza have ramped up after the US-brokered ceasefire. Approximately 750 metric tonnes of food are now entering the Gaza Strip daily, but that is still far short of its daily target of 2,000 tonnes, and well below what is needed after two years of Israel's devastating war that's reduced much of Gaza to ruins. As we know, people are trying to leave for medical treatment, and there are others who want to return home. Let's hear now from both sides. The first, Gazan resident Manar Rajab, who is waiting for medical evacuation for her brother. He was left paralysed from the waist down after sustaining severe injuries.

[00:01:11] Speaker 2: There is no care for him. There is no ambulance for him. And he can't walk, he can't eat by himself. He is in a very difficult situation. Despite trying for nine months, he has been unable to travel for treatment because of the continued border closure. We hope he can evacuate for travelling in any country. Just we need to help him to walk again. All of us need to travel out. There is no food. There is no medical care. There is no things. There is no house for us. We live in tents.

[00:01:49] Speaker 1: It's very difficult. On the Egyptian side of the border, waiting to return to Gaza, is 20-year-old Mahdi whose footballing dreams were crushed the same day that a truck passed over his leg while he was searching for food at night. He's now joined a cycling team which has helped him to cope with everything he's been through.

[00:02:06] Speaker 3: Cycling helps me feel strong and free again. The first thing is to hug my family and see them safe. Then I want to meet my friends and ride my bike in the streets. I hope to help rebuild the neighborhood and inspire others, showing that life continues. Faith in Allah keeps me strong. I follow a daily routine, exercise, study and spend time with friends. Being part of my cycling team also motivates me. Thinking about returning home gives me hope.