Israel reopens Gaza's Rafah border crossing to Egypt, with tight limits

Israel has reopened the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, allowing limited pedestrian crossings in both directions. This decision follows nearly two years of closure and is part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement. The Israeli Ministry of Defence body, COGAT, confirmed that movement of individuals would commence on the reopening day, which is set for Sunday. The crossing has been under Israeli control since May 2024, aimed at restricting Hamas's ability to smuggle weapons and isolating Gaza. 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. 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 humanitarian aid flows into Gaza continue to be extremely limited. There is no indication from COGAT regarding a significant increase in aid supplies. The reopening of the Rafah crossing highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where many individuals are in urgent need of medical evacuation and support. The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by Palestinians, as the crossing's operations are expected to be limited. The reopening serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of peace efforts and the dire consequences of prolonged conflict in the region.