Israel has suspended the transfer of patients from Gaza to Egypt through the Rafah crossing, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. The suspension came just days after Israel reopened the crossing on February 2, 2026, for the first time in about 18 months. On the first day, only five critically ill patients were allowed to cross into Egypt. The Red Crescent’s spokesperson Raed al-Nims told Al Jazeera that Israel announced the closure only minutes before it took effect, leaving many wounded and seriously ill Palestinians waiting in ambulances near the crossing.

Israeli officials had earlier said that up to 50 Palestinians would be permitted to cross daily, but only five were allowed on Monday and 16 on Tuesday. Gaza’s health authorities reported that more than 18,000 patients are awaiting evacuation for treatment, including around 440 in critical condition. No explanation was given for why some patients were denied passage.

Despite an ongoing ceasefire, Israeli forces continued airstrikes in Gaza. The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 21 people were killed and 38 injured on Wednesday, bringing the total to 556 deaths and 1,500 injuries during the truce period.