Gaza's Rafah crossing to partially reopen after years of near-complete closure

Israel has partially reopened the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt after nearly two years of closure. This reopening, which is part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, allows limited pedestrian crossings in both directions. The Israeli Ministry of Defence body, COGAT, confirmed that movement of individuals would commence on Monday. However, access remains restricted, with only foot traffic permitted, and the exact number of individuals allowed to cross has not been disclosed (France24, Google News). On the first day of its reopening, only 12 Palestinians were reported to have entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing, while five patients and their escorts were allowed to leave for Egypt. The Gaza health ministry indicated that approximately 20,000 people are currently waiting to leave for medical care. Despite the reopening, humanitarian aid flows into Gaza remain extremely limited, and there is no indication from COGAT regarding a significant increase in aid supplies (Al Jazeera, Google News). The Rafah crossing has been under Israeli control since May 2024, aimed at curbing Hamas's ability to smuggle weapons. The reopening highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where tens of thousands of individuals are in urgent need of medical evacuation and support. The situation underscores the challenges faced by Palestinians, as the reopening does not fully address their humanitarian needs (The Guardian, Deutsche Welle). The limited reopening of the Rafah crossing serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of peace efforts in the region and the dire consequences of prolonged conflict. Access to basic necessities is often contingent upon political negotiations and military control, reflecting a broader pattern of conflict in the area. The reopening provides a rare opportunity for some Palestinians, including patients, students, and displaced families, but many still remain in urgent need of assistance (France24, Deutsche Welle).