Post by : Rameen Ariff

Israel has announced that the Rafah border crossing with Egypt will reopen in the coming days, a move that could bring major relief to Palestinians trapped inside Gaza. For nearly two years of war, leaving the territory has been extremely difficult, especially for the sick, the wounded, and families separated by the conflict.

The decision has created fresh hope across Gaza, where thousands of patients urgently require medical treatment that is no longer available in the strip. Gaza’s medical system has been shattered by the conflict, leaving hospitals without the capacity to perform complex surgeries. The World Health Organization says more than 16,500 people need immediate medical evacuation from Gaza.

Despite the announcement, the reopening of the Rafah border crossing is surrounded by challenges. Israel has said that any Palestinian wishing to leave Gaza must receive security approval from both Israeli and Egyptian authorities. There is still no clarity on the criteria for approval or how many people will be permitted to travel each day.

Israel has also made its position clear that Palestinians will only be allowed to exit Gaza, not enter, until all hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks are returned. This condition has already sparked disagreements with Egypt, which insists that the crossing must operate in both directions. Egypt has long opposed the permanent resettlement of Palestinians in its territory, citing security concerns and fears of altering the demographic balance.

Before the war, the Rafah crossing was the only direct gateway between Gaza and another country. The route was busy with travelers, traders, and goods moving to and from Egypt. But after the October 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, Egypt tightened restrictions on movement through Rafah.

After Israel seized control of the Gaza side in May 2024 during its military offensive, the crossing was almost entirely shut down, opening only for limited medical evacuations. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 70,100 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began. Though the ministry operates under the Hamas-run administration, it maintains detailed casualty records that international organizations generally consider reliable.

A fully reopened Rafah border crossing could also bring economic relief. For months, Gaza’s economy has been devastated, with trade at a standstill. Reopening the crossing would allow merchants to move goods, support small businesses, and reconnect Gaza with regional markets.

An Israeli official said that the European Union mission responsible for supervising the crossing is finalizing logistical arrangements before reopening. However, the facility suffered extensive damage during the war, and repairs may be needed before full operations resume. Major disagreements between Israel and Egypt over who can enter Gaza may further delay progress.

Egypt’s State Information Service said that if an agreement is reached, the border crossing should operate in both directions under a ceasefire plan supported by U.S. President Donald Trump. Egypt has repeatedly emphasized that it will not accept large numbers of Gaza refugees, pointing to security concerns in the Sinai Peninsula and the need to protect the goal of an independent Palestinian state comprising the West Bank, Gaza, and east Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, Israel has stated that no entry into Gaza will be permitted until all hostages are returned. Israeli spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian said this condition stands firm. Recently, the remains of two hostages were recovered, though their identities have not yet been confirmed.

As both sides negotiate, residents in Gaza wait anxiously. For families needing medical care, students hoping to travel abroad, and people longing to reunite with relatives in Egypt, the reopening of the Rafah border crossing could become a vital lifeline after years of isolation.

#Global Updates #World News