Palestinians allowed in to Gaza and patients are evacuated to Egypt as the Rafah crossing reopens

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened after nearly two years of closure, allowing limited movement of Palestinians. This reopening is part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement and was confirmed by Israeli officials, including the Israeli Ministry of Defence body, COGAT. The crossing is expected to permit limited pedestrian crossings in both directions, with initial reports indicating that only 12 Palestinians entered Gaza and five patients, along with their escorts, were allowed to leave for Egypt on the first day of operations (AP News, Reuters). The reopening comes amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations aimed at stabilizing the conflict in the region. Israel's control over the Rafah crossing, which began in May 2024, was intended to restrict Hamas's ability to smuggle weapons and limit access to essential services for Gaza's residents. Despite the reopening, access remains highly restricted, with only a small number of individuals permitted to cross. Reports indicate that approximately 20,000 people are currently waiting to leave Gaza for medical treatment and other needs (The Guardian, Google News). The situation in Gaza continues to reflect a humanitarian crisis, with many individuals in urgent need of medical evacuation and support. While the reopening of the Rafah crossing provides a lifeline for some, it does not fully address the broader humanitarian needs of the population, as humanitarian aid flows into Gaza remain extremely limited (Al Jazeera, France24). The operations at the crossing are expected to be conducted under strict rules, with initial limits set to allow only 50 people per direction (France24). This development underscores the fragile nature of peace efforts and the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians in the region.