The Gaza-Egypt border crossing has partially reopened after being shut by Israel for almost two years, as confirmed by an Israeli security official. This reopening allows a limited number of Palestinians to move in and out of the conflict-ridden region.
This vital crossing had mostly been closed since Israel took control in May 2024. Ahead of its reopening, the European Union, Egypt, and other involved parties took steps on Sunday to ensure the border’s operation.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health has indicated that over 20,000 patients in Gaza are waiting for permission to seek medical treatment abroad, with at least 440 of these cases deemed life-threatening.
The ministry also reported that nearly 1,300 individuals have died while waiting for the chance to exit Gaza for necessary medical care.
High costs and complex bureaucratic and security procedures make it challenging for many Palestinians to use the crossing.
Before its closure, some Palestinians described having to pay exorbitant fees, amounting to thousands of dollars, just to cross, a burden that few could bear financially.
The full reopening of the Rafah crossing was part of the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement that went into effect in mid-October.
But Israel refused to open the crossing until the return of all living and deceased hostages. The final deceased hostage, Ran Gvili, was returned to Israel last week.
Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the opening would be “limited” with no passage of humanitarian aid or commercial goods.
The return of Gvili and the reopening of Rafah brings to a conclusion the first phase of the 20-point ceasefire agreement. The US announced the start of the second phase of the agreement two weeks ago when President Donald Trump officially launched his Board of Peace in Davos.
During the event, Ali Shaath, who leads the Palestinian technocratic committee expected to run Gaza, said the crossing would reopen, calling it “a lifeline and symbol of opportunity”.
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