KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip – The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, heralded by Palestinian officials as a potential “window of hope” after two years of conflict, has seen limited movement and is plagued by delays and reports of harsh treatment of those attempting to cross. While the crossing reopened this week, the reality on the ground falls far short of the expectations raised, with restrictions and bureaucratic hurdles significantly hindering the flow of people.
Under agreements negotiated between Israeli, Egyptian, Palestinian, and international officials, the initial plan allowed for only 50 individuals to return to Gaza each day, and 50 medical patients – accompanied by two companions each – to leave for medical treatment. However, data from the United Nations reveals that over the first four days of operation, just 36 Palestinians requiring medical care were permitted to travel to Egypt, accompanied by 62 individuals. This is despite an estimated 20,000 Gazans seeking medical attention unavailable within the war-damaged territory.
The limited operation was further disrupted by a weekend closure of the Rafah crossing on Friday and Saturday, with no immediate explanation provided by Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). The Rafah crossing remains a critical lifeline for Gaza, representing the sole access point to the outside world not directly controlled by Israel. Israel seized control of the crossing in May 2024, though even prior to that, movement through it was heavily restricted.
The reopening has been accompanied by troubling accounts from Palestinian travelers. Several women who recently returned to Gaza reported alleged mistreatment by Israeli authorities and members of the Popular Forces, a Palestinian militia. These reports include allegations of lengthy interrogations, blindfolding, and handcuffing.
The process for crossing is complex. While the border crossing itself is managed by a European Union mission and Palestinian Authority officials, the names of those seeking to enter or exit are first vetted by Israel. Individuals are then subject to screening by Israeli security forces at a facility located some distance from the crossing, where identities are cross-checked against Defense Ministry lists and luggage is inspected.
Rana al-Louh, who returned to Gaza after two years in Egypt to receive medical treatment, described being questioned for over six hours by Israeli screeners about her reasons for returning to Gaza. She alleges she was blindfolded and handcuffed, a claim echoed by other returnees. “I told them I returned to Palestine because my husband and kids are there,” al-Louh said. “Interrogators told her Gaza belonged to Israel and that ‘the war would return, that Hamas won’t give up its weapons. I told him I didn’t care, I wanted to return.’”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded to these allegations stating that they were unaware of “no incidents of inappropriate conduct, mistreatment, apprehensions or confiscation of property by the Israeli security establishment.” Neither the Shin Bet intelligence agency nor COGAT responded to specific questions regarding the allegations.
UN human rights officials have also expressed concern, alleging a “consistent pattern of ill-treatment, abuse and humiliation by Israeli military forces.” Ajith Sunghay, the agency’s human rights chief for the West Bank and Gaza, stated, “After two years of utter devastation, being able to return to their families and what remains of their homes in safety and dignity is the bare minimum.”
Initial challenges to the reopening included discrepancies between the number of individuals approved to leave Gaza and those actually transported by the World Health Organization on the first day of operation. Israeli officials initially stipulated that no Palestinians would be allowed to enter Gaza until all approved departures had taken place, then revised this to allow one entry for each departure, causing further delays as travelers waited overnight on the Egyptian side of the border.
Further complications arose from travelers carrying more luggage than permitted under the agreement, or possessing prohibited items such as cigarettes, liquids, and perfume. Travelers are permitted to carry only one mobile phone and a limited amount of money, provided they submit a declaration 24 hours in advance.
Despite the difficulties, some Palestinians expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return home. Siham Omran, who completed medical treatment in Egypt, described the journey as “a journey of suffering,” but expressed relief at being reunited with her family. She now shares a tent with 15 family members, using her blouse as a pillow.
The Rafah crossing’s reopening was initially presented as a pilot program, with the potential for increased capacity if successful. However, the early days have been marked by logistical problems and restrictions, casting doubt on whether it can truly deliver the “window of hope” that Palestinian officials initially envisioned. The situation remains fluid, and the future of the crossing – and the access it provides to a desperately needed lifeline – remains uncertain.
