Gaza’s Rafah Crossing Reopens Amid Ceasefire, But Restrictions Remain
Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopened on Monday, February 2, 2026, offering a fragile lifeline to the besieged territory, but access remains severely limited. The reopening, a key component of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that began last October, is met with both hope and “massive trepidation” from Palestinians, according to Sam Rose, Acting Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza.
The crossing represents the “sole border point” for Gazans to connect with the world, particularly for those requiring urgent medical treatment unavailable within the enclave. Approximately 20,000 Palestinian children and adults are awaiting the opportunity to leave Gaza for medical care, while thousands more hope to return home.
However, initial operations are heavily restricted. Israeli authorities will initially allow only 50 Palestinians to cross in each direction daily and all travel will be on foot. Returns are contingent upon prior authorization from Israeli security services, followed by checks conducted by the European Union at the Rafah crossing, and a final identification process managed by the Israeli army.
Despite the positive development, the UN has voiced concern over ongoing violence. Over the past 24 hours before the reopening, 30 Palestinians were reportedly killed in airstrikes, highlighting the “competing dynamics” at play. Rose emphasized that international organizations are facing “major, major constraints” in delivering urgently needed aid.
The reopening was part of a 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump last September. The crossing is being coordinated with Egypt and supervised by the European Union.
Medical Evacuations Begin, But Progress is Slow
On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) supported initial medical evacuation efforts. Some patients and their companions were able to exit Gaza directly into Egypt, while others transited through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom border crossing. However, Israeli authorities initially approved travel for only five wounded patients from a list of 27 names submitted by Palestinian sources.
Families gathered at Al-Amal Hospital in the south of Gaza to say farewell to loved ones heading to Egypt for treatment. A young boy named Youssef Awad, who uses a wheelchair, expressed hope for a future where he can walk and play again, stating, “I hope to travel for treatment and return walking like other children.”
Another injured child, Ahmed Iyad Abu al-Khair, waited with his father for transport, his head bandaged. His father pleaded for expedited assistance, saying, “We hope that decision-makers and the World Health Organization will expedite the process and help us get my son Ahmed to travel to complete his treatment, as every hour he spends here affects his health.”
Despair and Calls for Increased Access
Dozens of injured Palestinians protested near Al-Amal Hospital, demanding an increase in the number of people permitted to travel each day. Farid al-Qassas, an injured man participating in the demonstration, stated, “We have been waiting for the crossing to open since the beginning of the war, and like many others, we have not been lucky.” He noted that approximately 100 patients at the hospital alone require medical referrals, with an estimated 13,000 wounded individuals awaiting travel.
“We hope that everyone will hear us and save what remains of these patients,” al-Qassas added.
The last medical evacuation through Rafah occurred in May 2024. More than 18,500 patients in Gaza, including 4,000 children, are still awaiting access to treatment abroad.
Humanitarian Aid Delivery
The UN also stressed the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid deliveries through Rafah and other crossings. Between January 23-29, at least 13,800 pallets of aid managed by the UN and its partners were unloaded at crossing points, with nearly 60 percent consisting of food, alongside shelter items, school supplies, health items, fuel, and nutritional kits.
Since the ceasefire announcement on October 10, at least 272,000 pallets of humanitarian goods have been unloaded and collected at various crossing points. The UN continues to advocate for unimpeded access for essential supplies.
