The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened on Monday but Gazans reported troubling security checks. Two women told the BBC that a Palestinian militia group called Abu Shabab, linked to Israel, searched them at an Israeli checkpoint inside Gaza. Lamia Rabia said Israeli forces escorted her and her children to the checkpoint where Abu Shabab members performed searches. "There was a woman from the Abu Shabab group who conducted the searches on the women," she said. "They didn't speak with us, they only searched us and then we went to the Israelis, who questioned us. The Israelis and the Abu Shabab group were together at the same point." Israel’s military declined to comment on cooperation with Abu Shabab. This militia opposes Hamas and works in the Rafah area with Israeli support. Its leader said his unit would have "an important security role regarding entry and exit through the Rafah crossing." Another woman told the BBC the militia promised help travelling to Europe if she cooperated, but she also claimed she and others were beaten, strip-searched, handcuffed, and verbally abused. Rabia had a smoother experience. EU officials at the crossing reportedly confiscated many personal items, including perfumes, make-up, phones, and even toys with remote controls. Rabia said money entering Gaza is limited to $600. Only 12 patients out of 50 waiting to return to Gaza from Egypt crossed on Monday after long delays, with others sent back without explanation. The World Health Organization said just five patients and seven companions left Gaza for medical care. The Palestinian Red Crescent said 16 patients and 40 companions left on Tuesday but accused Israel of slow processing. The crossing’s new process bypasses Hamas control but the group is reasserting influence, with Hamas officials recently intervening in evacuation preparations. Meanwhile, the newly formed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza has not yet played a role in the evacuation efforts. The Rafah crossing’s reopening marks a complex start to a new phase in Gaza, highlighting security, political, and humanitarian challenges ahead.