Rafah Border Crossing Reopens for Palestinian Movement
Palestinians have begun to cross the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt following its reopening for the movement of people.
The crossing had been largely closed since May 2024, when Israeli forces captured the Gazan side.
The reopening was initially planned as part of the first phase of US President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, which started in October. However, Israel delayed the reopening until the return of the body of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, which occurred last week.
This development is expected to provide relief to many Palestinians who view the crossing as a vital link to the outside world, although there is frustration that only a limited number of people, and no goods, will be permitted to pass through.
Local hospitals and the World Health Organization (WHO) report that approximately 20,000 sick and wounded Palestinians are awaiting permission to leave Gaza for medical treatment.
According to Israeli sources, only 50 patients, each accompanied by one or two relatives, will be allowed to exit daily. Additionally, 50 individuals who left Gaza during the conflict will be permitted to return.
The crossing will be managed by supervisors from the European Union and local Palestinian staff, while Israel will conduct remote security checks.
Operational Details and Official Statements
On Monday morning, an Israeli security official confirmed that the Rafah crossing had "now opened to the movement of residents, for both entry and exit" following the arrival of teams from the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM).
Al Qahera News TV, which is affiliated with Egyptian intelligence, reported that the crossing had "received the first batch of Palestinians returning from Egypt to the Gaza Strip." The outlet added that this action was "part of Egyptian efforts to facilitate movement through the crossing."
Personal Accounts and Medical Urgency
A Palestinian mother, Sabrine al-Da'ma, shared her hopes with the BBC about traveling abroad with her 16-year-old daughter, Rawa, who suffers from kidney disease. She intends to donate one of her kidneys to her daughter.
"She used to be treated through monitoring, ultrasound imaging and tests to check the condition of her kidneys. Since the war started, because of food shortages, hunger, and the food she was forced to eat, she began dialysis," Da'ma said.
"We hope they will speed up our referral so that we can travel quickly, because she is getting exhausted. I am also 45 years old, and they may tell me that as I get older, I won't be able to donate anymore. That's why we're rushing."
Trial Opening and Coordination Efforts
On Sunday, Israeli authorities announced that a trial opening of the crossing had been conducted and completed.
A Palestinian official familiar with the arrangements for the trial told the BBC that approximately 30 Palestinian staff members had arrived at the Egyptian side of the crossing in preparation for the initial operational phase.
The WHO will oversee the transfer of patients from Hamas-controlled territory, transporting them by bus to the crossing over the so-called "Yellow Line" and into areas controlled by the Israeli military, according to BBC sources.
Context of the Rafah Crossing and Ceasefire Plan
Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan stipulates that the reopening of the Rafah crossing in both directions will follow the same mechanism implemented under a previous ceasefire agreement from January of the previous year.
Before its capture by Israel in 2024, the Rafah crossing served as the primary exit point for Palestinians permitted to leave during the conflict and was a key entry point for humanitarian aid. Currently, aid entering from Egypt is routed through Israel's Kerem Shalom crossing point.
In December, the Israeli government announced plans to open the Rafah crossing to allow Palestinians to leave Gaza. However, Egypt stated that the crossing would only open if movement was permitted in both directions.
More than 30,000 Gazans have registered with the Palestinian embassy in Cairo to be allowed to return to Gaza.
Delays and Conditions for Opening
The opening of the crossing was delayed due to Israel conditioning it on Hamas handing over the body of the last deceased Israeli hostage in Gaza.
Last week, the Israeli military reported that its troops had recovered the remains of police officer Master Sgt Ran Gvili at a cemetery in northern Gaza.
Gvili was among 251 individuals abducted by Hamas and its allies during their attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths.
Israel's military campaign in Gaza, launched in response to the attack, has resulted in the deaths of mo...
