Gaza's Rafah crossing with Egypt reopens for limited number of Palestinians

Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopened on Monday for limited foot traffic after nearly two years of closure. This reopening is part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, as confirmed by an Israeli security official and the Israeli Ministry of Defence body, COGAT. On the first day of operations, 50 Palestinians were allowed to cross in each direction; however, reports indicated that only 12 Palestinians entered Gaza, while five patients and their escorts were permitted to leave for Egypt. The Rafah crossing has been under Israeli control since May 2024, aimed at curbing Hamas's ability to smuggle weapons and restricting access to essential services for Gaza's residents. Approximately 20,000 people are currently waiting to leave Gaza for medical treatment and other needs, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. Despite the reopening, access remains highly restricted, and humanitarian aid flows into Gaza continue to be extremely limited. The situation at the Rafah crossing underscores the complex interplay between security concerns and humanitarian needs in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the reopening provides a lifeline for some individuals, it does not fully address the broader humanitarian needs of the population. The limited operations of the crossing are expected to be conducted under strict rules, reflecting the fragile nature of peace efforts and the persistent challenges faced by Palestinians in the region.