By: The Trek News Desk
The Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt has reopened for civilian movement, marking the first time since May 2024 that Palestinians have been able to cross. Following the reopening, a small number of people have started moving across the border, though the process remains highly restricted.
The crossing had been largely closed after Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side in May 2024. Its reopening is seen as a key step in the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, which began in October.
Authorities have stated that only a few dozen people per day will be permitted to cross in either direction. Humanitarian aid and commercial goods are still barred from passing through the crossing.
Around 20,000 sick and injured Palestinians in Gaza are reportedly awaiting medical treatment abroad. Israeli reports indicate that only 50 patients, accompanied by two relatives each, will be allowed to leave per day. In addition, just 50 of the tens of thousands who fled Gaza during the recent conflict will be permitted to return daily.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) will supervise the transfer of patients from Hamas-controlled areas. Buses will transport the sick and injured through the territory under Israeli military control to reach the crossing safely.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a warning, stating that anyone crossing the “Yellow Line”, marking Israeli-controlled areas under the ceasefire, could face armed response.
The Rafah crossing will be managed by European Union supervisors alongside local Palestinian staff, while Israel will perform remote security checks. Israeli officials confirmed that a trial opening of the crossing was completed successfully on Sunday. Around 30 Palestinian employees were reportedly present on the Egyptian side to prepare for full operations.
The reopening of Rafah had already faced multiple delays. In December, Israel announced plans to open the crossing, but Egypt insisted it would only allow movement if people could travel in both directions, enabling thousands of Palestinians who had fled to return.
Israel also made the reopening conditional on Hamas recovering the body of the last dead Israeli hostage held in Gaza. Last week, the Israeli military confirmed it had retrieved the remains of Master Sgt Ran Gvili from a cemetery in northern Gaza.
Source: News Agencies
