Israel announces the reopening of the Rafah border crossing: What it means for Palestinians in Gaza

CAIRO Israel has declared it will reopen the Rafah border crossing in the coming days, offering Palestinians in Gaza a rare opportunity to leave the territory. This move brings hope to residents who have faced severe restrictions on movement throughout the conflict.

The reopening could be particularly crucial for thousands of sick and injured Palestinians seeking urgent medical care. Gazas healthcare system, heavily damaged by years of conflict, struggles to provide advanced treatments, making external medical access critical.

However, the process will involve significant conditions. Israel has stated that Palestinians will need approval from both Israeli and Egyptian authorities to exit Gaza, though the exact criteria for clearance remain unclear. Additionally, Israel has announced that entry into Gaza will remain restricted until all hostages taken by militants during the October 7, 2023, attack are returned.

Egypt, on the other hand, advocates for immediate two-way access at Rafah to allow Palestinians in Egypt to enter Gaza, reflecting its policy against permanent resettlement of Palestinian refugees. Prior to the conflict, Rafah was a bustling corridor for goods and people between Egypt and Gaza, the only crossing connecting Gaza to another country, while the other four crossings link to Israel.

Following the 2023 Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel, which resulted in significant casualties and hostage-taking, Egypt imposed tighter controls on the Rafah crossing. Israel later took control of the Gaza side in May 2024, limiting the crossing to occasional medical evacuations amid ongoing military operations that have resulted in substantial Palestinian casualties.

If reopened, Rafah would provide easier access for medical treatment, international travel, and family visits in Egypt. The World Health Organization reports over 16,500 Palestinians in urgent need of medical evacuation. The crossing could also aid Gazas struggling economy by allowing merchants to access external markets.

Operational preparations are underway, with the European Union mission overseeing the logistics of reopening. The crossing, damaged during the war, may require repairs. Disagreements between Israel and Egypt over Palestinian entry could affect the timing of its opening.

Egypt has expressed that, if agreements are reached, the crossing should operate in both directions as part of a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan. The country remains concerned about the security and social impact of permanently hosting large numbers of Palestinians, given its existing refugee and migrant populations.

Israel maintains that until all hostages are returned, no Palestinians will be allowed to enter Gaza. Recent returns of remains have yet to be fully identified, leaving some uncertainty about the remaining hostages.

A reopened Rafah border would mark a significant development for Gaza, offering humanitarian relief and potential economic recovery opportunities amid the ongoing crisis.

Author: Benjamin Carter