Israel reopens Gaza’s key Rafah border crossing with Egypt

Israel has partially reopened the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, allowing limited movement of people for the first time in nearly two years. This move is a key step in the ceasefire agreement but comes with stringent restrictions and ongoing humanitarian challenges. On Monday, February 2, 2026, Israel reopened the Rafah crossing in a pilot phase, permitting the movement of residents on foot only, under tight security and international monitoring. Initial reports indicated that only a handful of sick and wounded Palestinians managed to cross, with delays attributed to Israeli security checks and logistical hurdles. The Rafah crossing, Gaza’s sole border point that does not pass through Israel, had been largely closed since May 2024 when Israeli forces seized it during the ongoing war. Its reopening was a condition of the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan, which began in October, but was delayed until last week when Israel recovered the body of the last Israeli hostage from Gaza. Under the new arrangements, the crossing is operated by supervisors from the European Union Border Assistance Mission and local Palestinian staff, while Israel conducts remote security checks. Israeli authorities stated that initially, only about 50 patients and their companions would be allowed to exit daily, with a similar number permitted to return, though actual numbers on the first day were far lower. The reopening brings a glimmer of hope to thousands of Palestinians in dire need. According to the World Health Organization, around 20,000 sick and wounded individuals are waiting to leave Gaza for medical treatment abroad. Personal stories, such as that of Sabrine al-Da’ma seeking to donate a kidney to her daughter and Maha Ali hoping to pursue studies in Algeria, highlight the urgent personal stakes involved. However, the limited scope has sparked frustration. The crossing allows only people, not goods, and the strict quotas mean that many will remain stranded. Egyptian and Palestinian officials reported that on Monday, only five patients and seven companions crossed from Gaza, while 12 Palestinians returned, with others delayed due to security issues. The move occurs within a fragile ceasefire that has been repeatedly violated. Israeli attacks have continued in Gaza, killing and wounding Palestinians, and the humanitarian situation remains dire. Concurrently, Israel announced it would ban Doctors Without Borders (MSF) from operating in Gaza for failing to provide staff lists, further complicating aid efforts. International reactions have been cautiously optimistic. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called it a “concrete and positive step,” while UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper welcomed the move but stressed the need for more aid and eased restrictions. The reopening is seen as a symbolic gesture towards reconnecting Gaza with the outside world. Looking ahead, the partial reopening of Rafah marks the beginning of a long process to restore normalcy. With tens of thousands registered to return or leave, and ongoing security and political challenges, the crossing’s operation will be closely watched as a barometer for the ceasefire’s sustainability and the broader prospects for peace in the region.