Israel reopens Gaza's Rafah crossing under very strict conditions

Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt partially reopened on Monday under very strict conditions, allowing limited crossings after nearly a year of closure. This reopening follows recent Israeli airstrikes and months of appeals from aid groups. The Rafah crossing is Gaza’s only non-Israeli gateway and has been under Israeli control since May 2024. The reopening is part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, as confirmed by officials and the Israeli Ministry of Defence body, COGAT, which stated that movement of individuals in both directions would commence at that time. On the first day of its reopening, only 12 Palestinians were reported to have entered Gaza through Rafah, while five patients and their escorts were allowed to leave for Egypt. The reopening offers a rare opportunity for many Palestinians, including patients, students, and displaced families, who have been waiting for months to cross for medical treatment, education, and aid. According to Gaza’s health ministry, approximately 20,000 people are currently waiting to leave for care. Despite the reopening, access remains highly restricted, and Israel continues to control the Palestinian side of the crossing. Humanitarian aid flows into Gaza remain extremely limited, with no indication from COGAT regarding a significant increase in aid supplies. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians in Gaza, as the reopening of Rafah does not fully address the humanitarian needs of the population.