Rafah Border Crossing Reopens with Restrictions

The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip has resumed limited operations as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. This key crossing, which had been mostly closed for nearly two years, reopened on Monday.

However, the reopening is accompanied by strict limits. Officials indicated that only a limited number of individuals, specifically up to 50 Palestinians in each direction, will be permitted to cross on the first day. This figure reflects just a small step and not an immediate return to pre-war levels of movement.

Health officials in Gaza report that many residents are in dire need of medical assistance and are therefore attempting to use the Rafah crossing, highlighting the urgent demand to access the corridor despite its controlled use. Additionally, many Palestinians currently outside of Gaza are eager to come back.

Militaries Involved in Oversight

Israeli forces continue to manage the corridor linked to the Rafah crossing, under the framework established by a ceasefire that began in October. This means that travelers are being scrutinized by both Israeli and Egyptian authorities. The intention is to prevent arms smuggling while still managing humanitarian needs.

Egypt has emphasized that the crossing should function in both directions and opposes using it as a method to permanently displace Palestinians from Gaza.

Meanwhile, despite the ongoing ceasefire, incidents related to the conflict continue. Hospital officials in Gaza claimed that an Israeli navy ship opened fire on a tent camp near Khan Younis, resulting in the death of a 3-year-old Palestinian boy. In response, the Israeli military stated that it would investigate the report.

As the situation unfolds, Egyptian authorities are preparing to receive patients evacuated from Gaza, with around 150 hospitals on standby. Further, the Egyptian Red Crescent has established a support area at the crossing to assist those in need.

The Rafah crossing has been under Israeli control since May 2024, which Israeli officials described as part of operations targeting Hamas’ smuggling routes. It saw a brief period of reopening for medical evacuations during a temporary ceasefire in early 2025.

The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S. and effective from October 10, marked the end of over two years of conflict that had escalated following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The first phase of the ceasefire mainly involved exchanges of hostages, increased humanitarian aid, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The next phase envisions establishing a new Palestinian governance structure in Gaza and deploying international security forces, along with efforts aimed at disarming and rebuilding Hamas, although these objectives are still under discussion.