RAFAH, EGYPT - FEBRUARY 02: Egyptian ambulances and medical teams arrive at the Rafah border crossing, Gazaâs gateway to the world on the Egypt border, standing by to deliver humanitarian aid and medical assistance to Gaza if the crossing is opened, in Rafah, Egypt, on February 02, 2026. (Photo by Ahmed Sayed/Anadolu via Getty Images)
BREAKING: The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has partially reopened as of Monday morning, marking a significant development after nearly two years of closure by Israel. An Israeli security official confirmed that a limited number of Palestinians will now be able to enter and exit the war-torn enclave.
This reopening follows a series of preparations by the European Union, Egypt, and other stakeholders as part of the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement that was initiated in mid-October 2023. Initially, 150 Palestinians will be allowed to leave Gaza daily, while only 50 will be permitted to enter, according to reports from Egypt’s state-affiliated Al-Qahera News.
Patients in urgent need of medical treatment are particularly affected by this development. Ibrahim Al-Batran, a kidney dialysis patient at Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital in Deir al-Balah, expressed his desperation after hearing the crossing would open. “Many people have died while waiting for treatment, and I may die today, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow while I’m waiting for treatment,” he stated. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reveals that over 20,000 patients in Gaza are awaiting permission to travel abroad for treatment, with 440 cases marked as life-threatening.
While this partial reopening is a glimmer of hope, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. The steep fees associated with crossing, coupled with lengthy bureaucratic and security processes, mean that many Palestinians may find it difficult to leave. Reports indicate that before the closure, some individuals paid thousands of dollars to cross, a cost that is simply unattainable for many.
Despite the cautious optimism surrounding the Rafah crossing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the opening will be “limited,” with no passage for humanitarian aid or commercial goods at this stage. This comes after the return of the last deceased hostage, Ran Gvili, to Israel last week, which was a prerequisite for the reopening.
The Rafah crossing’s reopening serves not only as a lifeline for those in need but also as a symbol of potential opportunity for the people of Gaza. Ali Shaath, who is set to lead the Palestinian technocratic committee responsible for Gaza’s governance, emphasized the critical nature of this crossing, declaring it a “lifeline and symbol of opportunity.”
As the situation develops, the world watches closely. The second phase of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement was announced two weeks ago by President Donald Trump at the Board of Peace event in Davos, further highlighting the international community’s involvement in this ongoing crisis.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. The reopening of the Rafah crossing is just the beginning of a complex situation that continues to evolve, affecting countless lives in Gaza.
