Gaza’s Rafah crossing reopens amid Israel-Hamas ceasefire, but challenges remain

Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopened on Monday for limited traffic as part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement. This reopening follows nearly two years of closure and is intended to allow limited pedestrian crossings in both directions. The Israeli Ministry of Defence body, COGAT, confirmed that movement of individuals would commence, with an initial allowance of 50 Palestinians to cross in each direction on the first day. However, reports indicated that only 12 Palestinians entered Gaza, while five patients and their escorts were allowed to leave for Egypt on the first day of operations. Despite the reopening, access remains highly restricted, and humanitarian aid flows into Gaza continue to be extremely limited. Israel has controlled the Rafah crossing since May 2024, a measure aimed at curbing Hamas's ability to smuggle weapons and restricting access to essential services for Gaza's residents. Approximately 20,000 people are currently waiting to leave Gaza for medical treatment and other needs, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. The reopening of the Rafah crossing is emblematic of the complex interplay between security concerns and humanitarian needs in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While it provides a lifeline for some individuals, it does not fully address the broader humanitarian needs of the population. The situation underscores the fragile nature of peace efforts and the persistent challenges faced by Palestinians in the region, as the crossing's operations are expected to be conducted under strict rules.