Rafah Crossing Reopens for Limited Traffic After Two-Year Shutdown, Marking Fragile Ceasefire Milestone

The Rafah border crossing, a crucial lifeline for the Gaza Strip, resumed limited operations on Sunday following nearly two years of closure. The tentative reopening marks the completion of the first phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement and allows a small, predetermined number of Palestinians to exit the besieged enclave.

According to Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the crossing—sealed by Israeli forces in May 2024—underwent extensive logistical and security preparations led by the European Union, Egypt, and other stakeholders. COGAT stated the crossing is open for the "limited passage of residents only," but did not specify a timeline for regular transit. Palestinian officials, however, offered a more immediate outlook. Ali Shaath, head of the Palestinian committee tasked with administering Gaza, announced on social media that two-way traffic would commence on Monday.

While Shaath hailed the initial opening in January as a signal that "Gaza is no longer closed to the future," the current reality is markedly constrained. The crossing, which once facilitated the daily flow of hundreds of aid trucks, is operating far below capacity. An Israeli security official, speaking to CNN on condition of anonymity, confirmed a daily quota of 150 Palestinians permitted to leave Gaza, with only 50 allowed to enter.

Beyond numerical limits, profound practical barriers remain. Reports from Gaza indicate that securing passage can cost individuals thousands of dollars—a prohibitive sum for most in the impoverished territory—coupled with arduous bureaucratic and security vetting. These factors severely restrict access for the vast majority of Gaza's 2.3 million residents.

The full reopening of Rafah was a cornerstone of the ceasefire's initial phase, which took effect in mid-October. Israeli authorities had conditioned its opening on the return of all hostages, both living and deceased. With the repatriation of the final deceased hostage, Ran Givili, last week, that condition was met, paving the way for Sunday's move.

This development concludes the 20-point agreement's first phase. The United States announced the transition to the second phase two weeks ago, coinciding with President Donald Trump's launch of the "Board of Peace" initiative in Davos. Analysts note that while the crossing's reopening is a symbolic step toward normalization, the stringent limitations highlight the fragility of the ceasefire and the immense challenges ahead in rebuilding Gaza and restoring free movement.

Expert & Public Reaction:

Dr. Elena Vance, Middle East Analyst at the Brookings Institution: "This is a procedural milestone, not a humanitarian one. The quotas are tokenistic and do not address the profound need for freedom of movement or large-scale aid ingress. It reflects a ceasefire built on minimal concessions rather than a genuine vision for recovery."

Mark Chen, Aid Worker with Relief International in Cairo: "We've seen the infrastructure being prepared, but the cost and complexity for ordinary people are soul-crushing. This mechanism benefits only a tiny, affluent minority. For aid delivery, we still rely on slower, more cumbersome routes."

David Fischer, Former State Department Official: "The Trump administration is framing this as a major win for its diplomacy. Technically, it meets a Phase 1 requirement, but the real test is whether Phase 2 delivers on reconstruction and political dialogue. The current setup seems designed for control, not openness."

Sarah Al-Masri, Displaced Gazan in Rafah (via phone interview): "Thousands of dollars to leave? This is a cruel joke. They open a door just to show it exists, then lock it with a golden key only the rich can buy. My family has been waiting for two years. This isn't hope; it's another layer of despair."