Rafah Border Crossing Reopens in Gaza Amid Continued Hardships

Wed Feb 04 2026 02:44:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Rafah border crossing has reopened for limited movement, providing a fragile connection for Gazans needing medical treatment. Only a handful of individuals crossed on the first day, highlighting the ongoing challenges for Palestinians.

After being largely closed since May 2024, Israel has reopened the key Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, allowing limited passage for sick and wounded Palestinians. The first day saw only a handful of individuals making the crossing, reflecting the ongoing humanitarian crisis within Gaza. Over 20,000 individuals are reported to be waiting for medical treatment outside the territory, expressing both hope and frustration about the restricted movements and stringent security checks.

Only a few sick and wounded Palestinians from Gaza arrived in Egypt on Monday after the Rafah border crossing reopened for the movement of people.

The crossing has largely been closed since the Gazan side was captured by Israeli forces in May 2024.

The reopening was supposed to happen during the first phase of US President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, which began in October. But Israel blocked it until the return of the body of the last Israeli hostage, which happened last week.

The reopening comes as a relief to many Palestinians who see it as a lifeline to the world, although frustrations remain as only small numbers of people and no goods are allowed through.

Around 20,000 sick and wounded Palestinians are waiting to leave Gaza for treatment, according to local hospitals and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Israeli reports indicate that only 50 patients - accompanied by relatives - will be permitted to exit each day, with a reciprocal arrangement for those who had left Gaza during the conflict. However, on the first day of reopening, only five patients and their companions were able to cross over.

Palestinian officials attribute the delays to Israeli security checks, with no immediate response from Israel's military. An Israeli security official stated that the Rafah crossing was open for "the movement of residents, for both entry and exit."

As it stands, the crossing will be overseen by supervisors from the European Union Border Assistance Mission along with local Palestinian staff, while Israel will enforce stringent security measures from afar.

The head of the Palestinian technocratic committee indicated that the reopening of Rafah represents the beginning of a long process to reconnect Gaza with the outside world. Meanwhile, the EU's foreign policy chief welcomed this step as a positive move towards peace, though acknowledged more needs to be done to ease restrictions and allow for humanitarian aid to flow into the territory.

Families such as that of 16-year-old Rawa, who suffers from a severe kidney condition, are anxiously waiting for quicker referrals to travel abroad for necessary treatments. This sentiment is echoed among many who have been unable to pursue education or healthcare due to the protracted conflict and border closures.

As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate within Gaza, many are looking toward the Rafah crossing as a potential pathway to recovery and relief.