Israel Reopens Gaza’s Key Rafah Border Crossing with Egypt
Latest Developments at Rafah Crossing
– Palestinians have finally begun to enter the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt following its reopening for the movement of people.
– This crucial crossing had been largely closed since May 2024, when the Gazan side was captured by Israeli forces.
– The reopening was initially part of US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, which started in October. However, Israel delayed this until the return of the body of the last Israeli hostage in Gaza, which occurred last week.
A Crucial Lifeline for Palestinians
– The reopening of the Rafah crossing is seen as a lifeline for many Palestinians, providing a desperately needed connection to the outside world.
– However, frustrations linger over the limited capacity for movement; only small numbers of individuals and no goods will be allowed through.
Patient Requirements and Daily Quotas
– Roughly 20,000 sick and wounded Palestinians are currently awaiting evacuation from Gaza for medical treatment.
– Israeli reports indicate that a maximum of 50 patients, accompanied by two relatives, will be permitted to exit each day, with an equal number of individuals who left during the war allowed to return.
Operational Management of the Crossing
– The crossing will be overseen by supervisors from the EU, along with local Palestinian staff, while Israel will conduct remote security checks.
– On Monday morning, an Israeli security official confirmed that the Rafah crossing had officially reopened for both entry and exit of residents following the arrival of EU Border Assistance Mission teams.
– Al Qahera News TV, closely aligned with Egyptian intelligence, reported that the crossing “received the first batch of Palestinians returning from Egypt to the Gaza Strip,” marking a significant moment in facilitating movement.
Testimonials from Palestinians
– Mohammed Nassir, a Palestinian who underwent a leg amputation due to war injuries, described the crossing as a “lifeline.”
– He stated, “I need to undergo surgery that is unavailable in Gaza but can be performed abroad,” highlighting the urgent medical needs faced by many.
Trial Opening and Future Prospects
– On Sunday, Israeli authorities conducted a trial opening of the crossing. A Palestinian official revealed that approximately 30 staff members had arrived on the Egyptian side to prepare for the initial operational phase.
– The World Health Organization will coordinate the transportation of patients from Hamas-controlled territory to the crossing, facilitating their passage into Israeli-controlled areas.
Peace Plan Conditions
– According to Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, the Rafah crossing’s reopening in both directions depends on mechanisms set up under a previous ceasefire agreement from January 2023.
– Before its control by Israel, the Rafah crossing served as the primary exit point for Palestinians and a key entry point for humanitarian aid.
Future Challenges ahead
– While the Israeli government initially announced in December that the crossing would open, Egypt stipulated that operation would only proceed with movement allowed in both directions. This would enable the return of around 30,000 displaced Palestinians who fled to Egypt or elsewhere during the war.
– Delays in the crossing’s opening were attributed to Israeli conditions pertaining to the retrieval of the last Israeli hostage’s body. Last week, the Israeli military reported the recovery of police officer Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, one of the 251 individuals taken hostage during a Hamas attack on 7 October 2023.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Impact
– As Israel’s military campaign in Gaza escalated in response to the initial attack, the Hamas-run health ministry reported that over 71,790 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing violence.
The reopening of the Rafah border crossing represents a critical step toward enhancing the movement of people and potentially alleviating some humanitarian crises in the region. However, significant challenges remain as both Palestinians and Israeli authorities navigate the complexities of the ongoing conflict.