Egyptian Ministers of Health and Solidarity arrived at the Rafah crossing on Saturday morning to oversee the final preparations for the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip, as part of Egypt’s intensive efforts to facilitate the process, according to Al-Qahera TV News channel’s correspondent.
Earlier, an informed Egyptian source confirmed to Al-Qahera News that a meeting in Cairo to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza had concluded positively. The source confirmed that all necessary arrangements were agreed upon, including the establishment of a joint operations room in Cairo to monitor the implementation of the agreement. This room will include representatives from Egypt, Palestine, Qatar, the United States, and Israel to ensure effective coordination and adherence to the terms of the agreement.
In addition, Egypt has opened registration for doctors who wish to volunteer to treat those wounded in Gaza as a result of Israeli aggression. Osama Abdel-Hay, Head of the Egyptian Doctors Syndicate, announced on Sunday that over 2,000 doctors are ready to volunteer and enter Gaza to treat the injured, highlighting the medical responsibilities Egyptian doctors bear in supporting Palestinians.
The ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel began at 8:30 a.m. (Gaza’s local time) on Sunday, January 19, according to Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesman Majed al Ansari
This ceasefire agreement, announced on January 15, aims to halt the violence in Gaza after nearly 15 months of conflict, which has led to the deaths of more than 46,788 Palestinians. The agreement follows extensive mediation by Egypt, the U.S., and Qatar.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, the death toll from Israeli bombings had reached 46,788, with 110,453 injured by January 16, 2025. Additionally, the Ministry reported that 4,500 Palestinians have suffered amputations since the war began, including about 800 children and 540 women.
On January 13, 2025, the Israeli military reported 840 Israeli soldiers killed since the conflict’s onset, with 405 of them dying since the start of the ground offensive in Gaza. Additionally, 2,566 Israeli soldiers were injured, 495 of them seriously. A total of 5,617 Israeli officers and soldiers have been injured during the war, including 833 seriously.
An Egyptian security source confirmed on Saturday that the Rafah crossing, the only access point between Gaza and Egypt, will reopen on Sunday. About 600 aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza as part of the ceasefire agreement, which includes provisions for the release of hostages. Egyptian authorities are also preparing for the receipt of wounded Palestinians, with hospitals in Arish, Sheik Zuweid, and Rafah fully equipped to handle incoming casualties.
The Israeli government has approved the ceasefire agreement, with the first phase focusing on the release of hostages. Under the agreement, three Israeli women and 95 Palestinian prisoners will be released on Sunday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he had received assurances from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump that Israel would receive an uninterrupted arms supply once he assumes office. Netanyahu emphasized that this support would provide Israel with the necessary tools to resume fighting if the agreement is violated.
The full Israeli cabinet meeting followed the approval of the ceasefire deal by the security cabinet on Friday.
