GAZA/Cairo -- The first group of wounded and ill Palestinians crossed from the Gaza Strip into Egypt on Monday, marking a significant step in the second phase of a regional ceasefire.

Palestinian sources told Xinhua that five patients, accompanied by 10 relatives or caregivers, crossed from southern Gaza into Egypt. They added that none of those expected to enter Gaza from Egypt had crossed back into the enclave so far.

Photos and videos circulating on social media showed yellow ambulances transporting the patients as they entered the Egyptian side of the border. Egypt's Al-Qahera News, citing Egyptian officials, confirmed the transfer.

The move came hours after Rafah partially reopened under the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, following more than a year and a half of near-total closure. The crossing had reopened on a trial basis a day earlier.

Located at Gaza's southern tip, the Rafah crossing is the only land route from the enclave that does not lead directly into Israel. It has long served as a critical lifeline for Gaza's 2.3 million residents, facilitating humanitarian aid, medical evacuations, and civilian travel. Since Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side of the crossing in May 2024, it has remained largely closed, worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis.