The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened after nearly two years of near-total closure, marking a significant development in the region's ongoing conflict. Officials have announced that the crossing will initially permit around 50 people to cross in each direction daily, with movements subject to strict rules and supervision.
Reopening Details and Initial Restrictions
On Sunday, Israel confirmed the reopening of the Rafah crossing as part of a test phase to assess its operational capabilities. Starting Monday, the crossing will be opened for the movement of residents in both directions, but with significant limitations. A European Union mission will oversee exit and entry procedures at the crossing, as confirmed by an Egyptian official to the Associated Press.
Initial reports indicate that Palestinian security officers and ambulances have already passed through the Egyptian gate into Gaza. However, only a few individuals will be allowed to travel initially, with no goods permitted to cross at this stage. This cautious approach reflects ongoing security concerns and the complex political landscape.
Medical Evacuations and Return of Displaced Persons
The reopening comes at a critical time for medical evacuations. Approximately 20,000 people in Gaza require urgent medical care and hope to leave via the crossing. On the other side, thousands of Palestinians in Egypt are waiting to return home. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that 50 patients per day will be allowed to leave Gaza, each accompanied by up to two relatives.
Simultaneously, 50 people who left Gaza during the war will be permitted to return daily. However, all individuals will undergo vetting by Israeli authorities and remain under the supervision of European Union border agents. This process is expected to be slow, potentially delaying crossings for those in desperate need.
Symbolic Importance Versus Practical Impact
While the reopening of the Rafah crossing holds symbolic importance as a step toward normalisation, its immediate practical impact remains limited. At the current rate of 50 people crossing in each direction daily, it would take more than two years for all 42,000 displaced persons estimated by Israel to return to Gaza. Similarly, Palestinian authorities report around 6,000 people needing urgent medical treatment, meaning a wait of approximately four months at the same crossing rate.
Palestinian medical sources have expressed concerns that some individuals may die from their conditions before they can cross. This issue is exacerbated by the near-total destruction of Gaza's health system, leaving many with serious illnesses without access to necessary treatment locally.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The Rafah crossing has long been considered Gazans' gateway to the world, but since 2024, Israel has largely restricted access, citing security concerns about weapon smuggling by Hamas. The crossing was briefly reopened last year for medical evacuations, and earlier this month, Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie visited Rafah on a humanitarian trip.
The indefinite reopening follows the evacuation of the remains of the final Israeli hostage from Gaza and represents a key phase in the ceasefire agreement brokered by the US administration. Officials have indicated that the number of people allowed through the crossing may increase over time if the system proves successful, though this will depend on Israel's ongoing risk assessments.
This development occurs against a backdrop of continued violence, including a recent Israeli airstrike that killed at least 30 Palestinians in Gaza, among them two women and six children. As the situation evolves, the world watches to see if this limited reopening can pave the way for more substantial humanitarian relief and lasting peace.
