Rafah crossing reopens after two-years closure

RAFAH

The Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt was reopened on a two-way basis on Monday, allowing a limited number of Palestinians to travel under the terms of a ceasefire agreement.

Israel’s military coordination body for the occupied Palestinian territories, COGAT, said the reopening was carried out on the instructions of Israel’s political leadership and would initially allow a restricted number of Gaza residents to pass through the crossing.

As part of the arrangement, up to 150 Palestinians are expected to be permitted to leave Gaza during the first phase.

The reopening comes under a “pilot” mechanism coordinated by the European Union Border Assistance Mission at Rafah (EUBAM Rafah), in cooperation with Egypt and other relevant parties, officials said. Preparations by all sides are under way, with full two-way movement for Gaza residents set to begin once the initial phase is completed.

The Rafah border crossing is Gaza’s only gateway to the outside world not directly controlled by Israel. Its reopening has long been seen as critical for humanitarian access and civilian movement.

According to Al Jazeera, around 80,000 Palestinians who left Gaza during Israel’s military campaign are seeking to return, while an estimated 22,000 wounded and sick people are waiting to cross into Egypt for medical treatment.

Dr Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Gaza’s main medical facility, warned that delays in allowing patients and the wounded to leave could significantly increase the death toll.

The Rafah crossing was originally due to reopen in October under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, but Israel delayed the move until the last Israeli captive in Gaza was handed over last week.