Rafah Crossing Reopens Under Fragile Truce, Allowing First Limited Movement in Gaza
CAIRO (AP) — The Rafah border crossing, Gaza's sole gateway not controlled by Israel, reopened Wednesday under strict controls, permitting a limited flow of people and essential supplies for the first time since the latest truce took hold. Egyptian and Palestinian officials described the move as a cornerstone of the fragile ceasefire deal, though they cautioned that operations remain provisional and subject to the security situation.
The reopening, coordinated through Egyptian mediators, is seen as a key test for the durability of the pause in hostilities. It allows for the evacuation of some critically injured Palestinians and foreign passport holders, while also enabling the entry of a trickle of aid trucks carrying food, water, and medical supplies into the besieged coastal enclave. Analysts note that while the crossing's functionality is a positive signal, the severe restrictions on the volume of traffic underscore the profound challenges in addressing Gaza's humanitarian crisis and the complex political hurdles that remain.
The development follows intense diplomatic efforts and comes amid international pressure to establish a sustained corridor for aid and to facilitate family reunifications. Its continued operation is widely viewed as a barometer for the ceasefire's progress, with any closure likely to trigger swift condemnation and escalate tensions.
Voices from the Ground
"This is a lifeline, but a very thin one. We've seen these openings close as quickly as they open. My family has been split for months, and this offers a sliver of hope, but we need guarantees this will last." — Layla Hassan, a teacher in Gaza City awaiting news of her sister's evacuation.
"Finally, a concrete step. This should have happened on day one of the ceasefire. Every hour the crossing was closed meant more suffering. The international community must now ensure it stays open and scales up to meet the enormous need." — David Chen, a humanitarian aid coordinator with the Global Relief Network.
"A symbolic gesture at best. Allowing a dozen trucks in while Gaza lies in ruins is an insult. This isn't a goodwill act; it's a calculated move to placate global opinion without addressing the root causes of the blockade or the war. The siege remains intact." — Samir Al-Masri, a political analyst based in Beirut, offering a sharp critique.
"The mechanics of this reopening are as important as the act itself. The coordination between Egyptian, Israeli, and Palestinian authorities, however indirect, sets a minor precedent for operational cooperation that could be built upon in future stages." — Professor Anya Petrova, a Middle East security scholar at the University of Geneva.