CAIRO (AP) — Palestinians and aid workers are closely watching the situation regarding the Rafah border crossing, a crucial lifeline for food and humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. This crossing, which links Gaza to Egypt, has not been controlled by Israel prior to the ongoing conflict, making it an essential gateway for the territory's population of about 2.3 million people.
Israeli Foreign Minister indicated that the Rafah crossing may reopen soon, possibly as early as Sunday. However, there is uncertainty about whether the reopening will allow both aid deliveries and people to cross into and out of Gaza. The crossing had previously experienced heavy traffic before hostilities escalated due to Hamas-led militants’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages. Following this event, Egypt increased restrictions at the Rafah crossing, which has now only allowed minimal traffic since the war’s escalation.
According to reports from Gaza's health ministry, the conflict has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths. The situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire, with extensive destruction of infrastructure and widespread famine. United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher expressed his hopes for significant relief aid, stating that he envisions the crossing bustling with trucks delivering supplies as part of a humanitarian surge following a peace agreement.
Historically, the Rafah crossing served as a major conduit for people and goods between Egypt and Gaza. In addition to humanitarian aid, a reopened crossing would facilitate medical treatment for Gazans and enable travel for individuals seeking to reconnect with family or conduct business in Egypt, where thousands of Palestinians reside. The closure of the crossing has severely impacted families, breaking a vital link that many relied on for support and connection to the outside world.
In recent developments, around 400 trucks loaded with humanitarian supplies were reported on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, poised to enter Gaza. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether these supplies successfully passed through Israeli security inspections or reached those in desperate need. Although some aid has reportedly flowed through, the overall efficacy and distribution of assistance remain questionable.
The infrastructure at the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing has suffered significant damage from the conflict, and it is still uncertain whether repairs have commenced. Once the crossing reopens—anticipated soon—Israel has committed to adhere to humanitarian guidelines established under a ceasefire deal from January 2025, stipulating a specific number of truckloads of aid permitted to enter Gaza daily.
As the ceasefire negotiations progress, questions remain regarding the management of the Rafah crossing. Experts suggest that the operation should primarily be managed by Palestinians, potentially with support from the United Nations or the European Union. The EU mentioned its readiness to deploy a humanitarian mission to the Rafah crossing should conditions permit a safe operation.
Discussions emphasize that the Rafah crossing is inherently a Palestinian locale, and those entering or exiting should predominantly be Palestinians. There are calls for a governance framework that ensures Israel does not hold veto power over humanitarian or travel processes at this vital crossing.
As the situation develops, the Rafah border crossing remains a focal point for aid delivery and civilian movement, symbolizing hope amid a severe humanitarian crisis.
