Gaza's Rafah Crossing With Egypt Reopens, Israeli Security Official Says

Gaza's Rafah crossing with Egypt has partially reopened after months of closure, allowing limited pedestrian crossings. This reopening is part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement. The Israeli Ministry of Defence body, COGAT, announced that movement of individuals in both directions would commence on the first day of operations, which was expected to begin on Monday (Reuters, France24). 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 (Al Jazeera). The reopening of the Rafah crossing 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 (France24). However, access remains highly restricted, and Israel continues to control the Palestinian side of the crossing, limiting the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Despite the reopening, humanitarian aid flows into Gaza remain extremely limited, with no indication from COGAT regarding a significant increase in aid supplies (France24). The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians in Gaza, as the reopening of Rafah does not fully address the humanitarian needs of the population. The crossing's limited operations highlight the complexities surrounding access and aid in the region.