On Sunday, Palestinians in Gaza expressed a mix of hope and frustration as preparations began to reopen the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, a crucial link to the outside world. Israel announced that the crossing is set to resume operations on Monday, coinciding with a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. However, residents voiced concerns about the limited number of people permitted to cross initially.
Ghalia Abu Mustafa, a resident of Khan Younis, highlighted the need for broader access, stating, “Opening the crossing is a good step, but they set a limit on the number of people allowed to cross, and this is a problem.” Suhaila Al-Astal, a mother from Rafah, echoed this sentiment, yearning for the crossing to be permanently open so that individuals, especially those in need, could receive necessary medical attention abroad.
This announcement from Israel followed a tragic day when airstrikes reportedly killed at least 30 Palestinians, including children, marking one of the highest casualty counts since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, 2023. Israel attributed the ongoing violence to allegations of truce violations by Hamas.
Nicolay Mladenov, director-general of a U.S. peace initiative for Gaza, called for all parties to maintain restraint, emphasizing that his office is collaborating with the newly appointed Palestinian committee to implement measures that could prevent further escalations.
Initially, only a limited number of individuals will be allowed to pass through the Rafah crossing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the plan includes 50 medical patients and their relatives crossing daily, while those who had previously left Gaza during the conflict would be permitted to return as well. An official involved in the negotiations revealed that each patient could be accompanied by two relatives.
However, the Gaza Health Ministry indicated that they had not been informed about the arrangements for medical evacuations. Officials from both Israel and Egypt will oversee the vetting process for individuals intending to cross, supported by European Union border patrol agents. The plan is to gradually increase the number of travelers if the reopening proves successful.
In related news, Israel’s Diaspora Ministry announced plans to terminate the operations of Doctors Without Borders in Gaza by February 28, 2026. This move follows a suspension initiated in December, due to the organization's non-compliance with new regulations requiring international agencies to provide lists of local staff. Doctors Without Borders warned that this decision could result in catastrophic consequences for their humanitarian efforts in Gaza, where they operate multiple health facilities and provide critical support for children suffering from malnutrition.
Palestinian authorities reported that Gaza's health care system has been severely impacted by ongoing Israeli military actions and restrictions. The Rafah crossing has historically served as Gaza's primary entry and exit point, previously allowing thousands of Palestinians to move freely. Since Israel seized control in May 2024, the crossing has remained largely closed.
Egypt has emphasized the necessity of the Rafah crossing functioning in both directions, expressing concerns that its unilateral closure could lead to the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. As the situation remains precarious, the essential terms of the ceasefire include a phased approach to easing hostilities, which comprises an exchange of hostages and increased humanitarian aid alongside a reduced military presence in the region.
The ceasefire also sets the stage for complex negotiations regarding the governance of Gaza, including the establishment of an international security force, disarming Hamas, and beginning the reconstruction efforts in the war-torn territory.
As tensions continue to simmer, the reopening of the Rafah border crossing is a critical development for Gaza's residents, who are desperately seeking relief from the prolonged conflict and its devastating effects.
