Rafah Crossing Reopens Under Fragile Gaza Ceasefire, Allowing Limited Movement
Cairo — The Rafah border crossing, Gaza's sole gateway not controlled by Israel, resumed operations Monday under a tightly restricted framework. The reopening, confirmed by Egyptian and Israeli security officials, represents a critical, if cautious, benchmark in the ongoing ceasefire process between Israel and Hamas.
Initial traffic will be minimal. An Egyptian official involved in the ceasefire talks, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that the crossing would process 50 Palestinians in each direction on its first day. No commercial goods or aid shipments are currently permitted to pass through.
The limited reopening carries profound symbolic weight for a besieged population. Gaza health officials estimate some 20,000 patients, including many children, urgently require medical evacuation. Simultaneously, thousands of Palestinians stranded outside the territory since the war began hope to return. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated Israel will permit 50 patients daily to exit, each accompanied by up to two relatives, while allowing around 50 displaced persons to return.
"We have supplies positioned in Egypt and plans that can be activated immediately if access is granted," said Ted Chaiban, UNICEF's deputy executive director, highlighting the backlog of humanitarian aid awaiting entry. He emphasized that sustained access for reconstruction materials is crucial for the next phase.
The crossing's status has been a persistent point of contention. Israeli forces seized control of the Rafah terminal in May 2024, citing arms-smuggling concerns. Its reopening became a key Egyptian demand, amid fears Israel might use it to force a permanent exodus from Gaza. A breakthrough followed last week's recovery of the final hostage's remains in Gaza, easing diplomatic logjams.
Security vetting for all travelers will be conducted jointly by Israel and Egypt, with European Union border monitors and a limited Palestinian presence providing oversight. Officials suggest passenger numbers may gradually increase if the initial phase proves successful.
This move initiates the second, more complex phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that began on October 10. This stage envisions forming a new Palestinian administrative committee for Gaza, deploying an international security force, and beginning the daunting task of disarmament and reconstruction, following over two years of devastating conflict.
Voices from the Ground & Abroad
Layla Hassan, Teacher in Khan Younis: "This is a drop in an ocean of need, but it's a start. My niece has been waiting eight months for cancer treatment. We pray her name is on a list soon. Every family here has a similar story."
David Chen, Security Analyst, Tel Aviv: "The controlled reopening is a necessary confidence-building measure. It balances humanitarian imperatives with legitimate security needs. The real test will be ensuring Hamas cannot exploit this access to rearm."
Marcus Johnson, NGO Director, London: "A 'symbolic' opening while blocking aid is a cruel parody of progress. This isn't goodwill; it's PR. Where are the trucks of food, medicine, and building supplies? People are starving amidst the rubble, and the world is applauding a door being cracked open an inch."
Amira Salah, Displaced Palestinian in Cairo: "My parents are still inside. Every day closed was a lifetime. Now, there is a thread of hope. We follow the news minute by minute, waiting to see if this leads to real reunification."