Israel partially reopens Gaza's Rafah crossing

Israel partially reopened the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Sunday, February 1, 2026, after nearly two years of closure. This reopening follows months of lobbying by aid groups and comes a day after Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 31 Palestinians, marking one of the highest death tolls since a ceasefire agreement was reached in October. The Rafah crossing is a critical passage for civilians and humanitarian aid, having been closed since Israeli forces took control in May 2024. The Israeli Ministry of Defence body, COGAT, confirmed that the crossing was opened for the limited passage of residents only. On the first day of its reopening, only 12 Palestinians were reported to have entered Gaza, while five patients and their escorts were allowed to leave for Egypt. Gaza's health ministry indicated that approximately 20,000 people are currently waiting to leave for medical 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 reopening of the Rafah crossing is part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement and allows for limited pedestrian crossings in both directions. An Egyptian official stated that 50 Palestinians would cross in each direction on the first day. The situation in Gaza continues to reflect a broader humanitarian crisis, with many residents facing urgent needs for medical assistance and essential services. The reopening serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians in Gaza and the geopolitical complexities affecting access to aid and medical care.