Rafah Border Crossing Between Gaza and Egypt Reopens

The Rafah border crossing in Gaza reopened on Monday for limited movement, marking an important step toward a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, on the ground, the development remains largely symbolic, as only a small number of people will be allowed to cross in either direction and no goods will be transported into the war-torn region.

Israel had taken control of the Rafah crossing in May 2024. During the first hour after reopening, no movement of people was observed in or out of Gaza. An Egyptian official stated that on the first day of operations, 50 Palestinians would be allowed to cross the border in each direction.

According to Gaza health officials, nearly 20,000 Palestinian children and adults requiring urgent medical treatment are hoping to leave Gaza through the Rafah crossing. Thousands of other Palestinians are also expected to cross the border to enter or return to their homes.

Egyptian state media and an Israeli security official have confirmed the reopening of the crossing. The move has been welcomed by the UK Foreign Secretary. Meanwhile, nearly 150 hospitals in Egypt are prepared to admit Palestinian patients evacuated from Gaza through the Rafah crossing.

Palestinian hospital officials reported that on 2 February, a three-year-old child was killed when the Israeli navy attacked tents sheltering displaced people along the coast of Khan Younis in Gaza.