The Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt has reopened, allowing for the limited passage of Palestinians and the evacuation of patients, though the process has been marked by delays and stringent security checks. The reopening, which occurred on , represents a fragile step forward in the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, but its impact is currently constrained by restrictions on the number of people and goods permitted to cross.
According to security sources, at least sixteen wounded Palestinians and twenty-four accompanying individuals arrived in Egypt on , seeking medical treatment. This followed the initial evacuation of five patients and seven companions on . Egyptian medical teams are conducting initial assessments of the arriving patients to determine appropriate treatment plans and hospital referrals.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society facilitated the transfer of fifty-six individuals – sixteen patients and forty companions – to the Rafah crossing on . The reopening of the crossing comes after a near two-year closure imposed by Israel in May 2024, when control of the Gazan side was established by Israeli forces.
While the resumption of movement is a relief for many Palestinians, the scale of the operation remains limited. Israeli reports indicate that only fifty patients, each accompanied by one or two relatives, will be permitted to exit Gaza daily, with a corresponding allowance for fifty individuals returning to the Strip. However, initial crossings have fallen short of these numbers, with only a small fraction of those eligible able to travel.
The delays are reportedly due to stringent Israeli security checks. Palestinian officials have attributed the slowdown to these checks, though no immediate comment has been provided by the Israeli military. On , an Israeli security official stated that the Rafah crossing was open for “the movement of residents, for both entry and exit.” However, the practical implementation has been considerably slower than anticipated.
The Rafah crossing will be overseen by supervisors from the European Union Border Assistance Mission and local Palestinian staff, while Israel will conduct security vetting remotely. This arrangement reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the crossing and the ongoing efforts to balance security concerns with humanitarian needs.
The reopening of Rafah is particularly crucial given the immense medical needs within Gaza. Over 18,500 patients are reportedly awaiting evacuation for treatment, including trauma injuries sustained during the conflict as well as chronic conditions such as cancer and diabetes. More than 3,000 of these patients are children, according to UNICEF. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the tragic reality that patients have died while awaiting evacuation, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The limited capacity of the crossing underscores the challenges in addressing the widespread humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While the resumption of medical evacuations offers a lifeline to some, it represents only a small fraction of the total need. The situation is further complicated by the fact that no goods are currently being allowed through the crossing, hindering efforts to replenish essential supplies within the Strip.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing is linked to the U.S.-backed ceasefire plan initiated in October. Israel had previously blocked the reopening until the return of the body of the last Israeli hostage, which occurred last week. The fragile nature of the ceasefire and the ongoing security concerns suggest that the future of the Rafah crossing remains uncertain. The gradual increase in the number of crossings will depend on the successful operation of the system and continued cooperation between all parties involved.
On , a three-year-old Palestinian child was killed when an Israeli naval strike hit tents sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, according to hospital authorities. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and the precarious situation faced by civilians in the region, even as efforts are underway to facilitate humanitarian access.
