Rafah Border Crossing Reopens for Critical Medical Evacuations from Gaza
Officials have confirmed that preparations are underway to reopen Gaza's primary border crossing into Rafah, with the process beginning on Sunday. While it remains uncertain whether any Palestinians will pass through before the day concludes, this development marks a significant step in facilitating humanitarian movement.
The Rafah border crossing with Egypt served as the sole direct exit point for most Gazans before the conflict and was a crucial entry route for aid. It has been largely closed since May 2024, severely restricting access to essential services and medical care.
Coordinated Humanitarian Effort
Cogat, the Israeli military unit responsible for humanitarian coordination, announced that the crossing will reopen in both directions for pedestrians only. This operation is being coordinated jointly with Egypt and the European Union, ensuring a structured approach to the movement of people.
"As part of the pilot for the initial operation of the crossing, all involved parties are carrying out a series of preliminary preparations aimed at increasing readiness for full operation of the crossing," Cogat stated on Sunday. "The actual passage of residents in both directions will begin upon completion of these preparations."
A source close to the EU mission has verified these details, while a Palestinian official indicated that the crossing is expected to open for passengers on Monday. The Egyptian foreign ministry has not yet provided an immediate comment on the situation.
Strict Security Protocols and Medical Needs
Israel has stipulated that the crossing will operate under stringent security checks, permitting only Palestinians who wish to leave the war-ravaged territory and those who fled during the initial months of the conflict to return. Many of those anticipated to depart are sick and wounded individuals requiring urgent medical treatment abroad.
The Palestinian health ministry estimates that approximately 20,000 patients are currently waiting to leave Gaza for medical care. An Israeli defence official noted that the crossing can accommodate between 150 and 200 people in total across both directions. There will be more people leaving than returning because patients often travel with escorts, the official added.
Lists of individuals scheduled to pass through the crossing have been submitted by Egypt and approved by Israel, ensuring a controlled and orderly process.
Broader Context and Ceasefire Challenges
Reopening the Rafah border crossing was a key requirement in the first phase of former US president Donald Trump's plan to resolve the conflict. However, the ceasefire, which took effect in October after two years of fighting, has faced repeated disruptions due to ongoing violence.
Local health officials report that Israeli attacks in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of more than 500 Palestinians since the ceasefire began. Conversely, Israeli authorities state that Palestinian militants have killed four Israeli troops during this period.
On Saturday, Israel conducted some of its most intense airstrikes since the ceasefire, claiming at least 30 lives. Israel described this action as a response to a Hamas violation of the truce on Friday, when militants emerged from a tunnel in Rafah.
Future Implications and Political Stalemate
The subsequent phases of Trump's plan for Gaza involve transferring governance to Palestinian technocrats, requiring Hamas to disarm, and withdrawing Israeli troops from the territory. An international force would then maintain peace while reconstruction efforts proceed.
Hamas has thus far rejected disarmament, and Israel has repeatedly indicated that if the Islamist militant group does not disarm peacefully, it will resort to force to achieve this objective. This ongoing stalemate continues to complicate efforts towards a lasting resolution and humanitarian relief in the region.
