Gaza's key crossing with Egypt finally open
Thrilling news as the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has swung open! After being mainly shut since May 2024, Palestinians can now cross this vital passage, seized by Israeli forces during intense conflict.
This reopening marks a crucial part of US President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, initiated last October. Yet, crossing numbers stay tight. Just dozens each day will move in both directions. Shockingly, humanitarian aid and commercial goods are still blocked. For the 20,000 sick and wounded waiting in Gaza, the chance for treatment is sorely needed.
Israeli reports reveal a tight grip on the crossing. Only 50 patients—with two relatives each—can exit daily. Meanwhile, 50 of the thousands who escaped during the war might return.
The World Health Organization steps in, overseeing patient transfers from Hamas-controlled areas through Israeli military zones. They’ll manage bus transport to Rafah, under Israel's strict security oversight.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz made it clear: crossing the Yellow Line, marking Israeli territory, will be met with fierce resistance. So, tread carefully.
This reopening has EU supervisors teaming up with local Palestinian staff to run operations, while Israel conducts remote checks. Trials kicked off successfully last Sunday.
A Palestinian official disclosed that 30 staff made it to the Egyptian side, getting ready for full operations. Trump's elaborate 20-point peace proposal indicates that reactivating Rafah mirrors mechanisms from a previous ceasefire deal.
Once Gaza's main exit, Rafah was critical for Palestinians during hostilities and essential for aid delivery before Israel took control in 2024. In December, Israel agreed Rafah should open. Yet, Egypt demanded two-way movement, allowing those who fled to come back.
Delays occurred afterward, hinged on Hamas producing the body of the last dead Israeli hostage. Recently, Israel found Master Sgt Ran Gvili's remains, a victim of the infamous October 7th Hamas attack, which saw Israel retaliate fiercely. Gaza's Hamas health ministry reports the offensive led to over 71,790 Palestinian deaths.
Key Takeaways
Rafah crossing now open for movement.
Limited crossings for people, not goods.
WHO monitors patient transfers.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Source 2026-02.02
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