Rafah Crossing Reopens: Gaza's Lifeline to the World Cautiously Restarts After Two-Year Closure
After being largely sealed for nearly two years, the Rafah border crossing—Gaza's primary gateway to the outside world—reopened for pedestrian movement on Monday. The reopening follows Israel's seizure of the Palestinian side in May 2024 and forms a critical component of the ongoing ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.
The crossing, often described as Gaza's "lifeline," is the territory's only border access point that does not pass through Israel. Its closure had severely restricted the movement of people and goods, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the coastal enclave under a long-standing Israeli blockade.
"An initial pilot phase began Sunday," stated COGAT, the Israeli defense body coordinating Palestinian civilian affairs, adding that the actual passage of residents would commence once preparations were complete. The first groups expected to cross are medical evacuees, with ambulances seen lining up on the Egyptian side.
The operational framework marks a significant shift. While the Palestinian side is now in an area held by Israeli forces, its administration involves the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) and a delegation from the Palestinian Authority. Israel has stated it will conduct security screenings for all individuals permitted to cross.
The reopening is tied to the second phase of the U.S.-backed truce plan, which also stipulates the entry of 600 aid trucks per day into Gaza through Rafah. However, aid groups report continued obstacles, with Israeli authorities allegedly stalling deliveries and returning dozens of trucks without unloading them.
Voices from the Ground:
"This is a fragile step forward, but the devil is in the details. The continued Israeli control over security checks and the slow aid flow mean this is far from the free passage Gaza desperately needs." — David Chen, Regional Analyst for the Middle East Council.
"Finally, some semblance of normalcy. My sister has been waiting for surgery in Cairo for over a year. This crossing is her only hope." — Layla Hassan, University Student in Gaza City.
"A theatrical gesture masking continued strangulation. Allowing a trickle of people through while blocking lifesaving aid is not a policy—it's collective punishment. The world is watching a slow-motion disaster it chooses to call 'progress.'" — Marcus Thorne, Director of the Humanitarian Aid Watchdog group "Borderline Rights."
"The involvement of EUBAM is crucial for building trust. It's a neutral mechanism that, if fully empowered, can ensure the crossing serves as a genuine humanitarian corridor." — Anya Petrova, Former EUBAM Monitor.