The European Union has restarted its civilian mission to monitor the border crossing at Rafah as the key transit point between Gaza and Egypt is set to reopen on Saturday for medical evacuations.

Gaza’s Health Ministry on Friday confirmed that a number of Palestinians – including injured civilians and Hamas fighters – would enter Egypt on Saturday via the Rafah crossing, which has been shut to human traffic since May 2024.

It will initially be opened for 50 injured fighters and 50 wounded civilians, along with the people escorting them, Hamas officials said, adding that a further 100 people – most likely students – would be allowed through on humanitarian grounds.

People will only be allowed to travel in one direction, from Gaza to Egypt, for the time being, officials have said.