The Rafah border crossing with Egypt, a vital link to the outside world, has reopened, offering a crucial pathway for the thousands of severely ill or injured Palestinians requiring medical care unavailable within Gaza. This development occurs amidst a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which began last October.
‘Competing Dynamics’
The reopening is tempered by ongoing violence. Sam Rose, Acting Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza, told the BBC on Sunday, “As we have seen so many times throughout this conflict, we’re seeing really competing dynamics here: on the one hand, positive progress when it comes to the re-opening of Rafah, and yet over the past 24 hours, 30 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes during a ceasefire.” He further noted that international organizations face “major, major constraints” in delivering urgently needed aid, contributing to a sense of “massive trepidation” among Palestinians – a mix of hope for access to care and fear for the future.
Limited Access
Currently, Israel will permit only approximately 50 Palestinians to cross into and out of Gaza each day, and only on foot. The crossing’s operation is coordinated with Egypt and supervised by the European Union (EU), according to the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA. Returning residents must obtain prior authorization from Israeli security services and undergo multiple identification checks – first by the EU at Rafah, and again by the Israeli army in a designated control area.
Support for Returnees
OCHA has welcomed the reopening, emphasizing that “civilians must be allowed to leave and return voluntarily and safely, as international law requires.” The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is arranging bus transportation for returnees from the internal checkpoint to Nassar hospital in Khan Younis, where UN agencies and NGOs have established a reception area providing psychological support, food, information, and internet access.
Medical evacuations are underway, with some patients traveling directly to Egypt and others transiting through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing. However, Palestinian sources report that Israeli authorities approved travel for only five wounded patients out of a list of 27 submitted by both Egyptian and Palestinian authorities.
Thousands Await Treatment
The need is immense. More than 18,500 patients in Gaza, including 4,000 children, are currently waiting to access treatment abroad. Frustration is growing, as evidenced by a protest near Al-Amal Hospital, where injured Palestinians demanded increased capacity at the crossing – calling for hundreds of daily crossings instead of the current limit of 50. Farid al-Qassas, an injured man, stated, “We hope that everyone will hear us and save what remains of these patients.” The last medical evacuation through Rafah occurred in May 2024.
OCHA stresses that “essential humanitarian supplies must enter in sufficient quantities and with fewer restrictions” through Rafah and other crossings. Between January 23-29, at least 13,800 pallets of aid were unloaded, with nearly 60 percent consisting of food, alongside shelter, school supplies, health items, fuel, and nutritional kits. Since the ceasefire announcement on October 10, a total of 272,000 pallets of humanitarian goods have been unloaded and collected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation at the Rafah crossing?
The Rafah crossing has reopened, but movement is limited to approximately 50 Palestinians per day, traveling on foot. Returns require prior authorization from Israeli security services and multiple identification checks.
How many patients are waiting for medical evacuation from Gaza?
More than 18,500 patients in Gaza, including 4,000 children, are currently waiting to access treatment abroad.
What aid is being delivered to Gaza?
Humanitarian aid, including food, shelter, school supplies, health items, fuel, and nutritional kits, is being delivered through the Rafah crossing and other points of entry. Between January 23-29, at least 13,800 pallets of aid were unloaded.
As the Rafah crossing remains the primary lifeline for Gaza, will the limited capacity and ongoing security concerns be enough to address the overwhelming humanitarian needs of the population?
