Palestinians expressed joy as the Rafah crossing with Egypt partially reopened, allowing a limited number of people to return to war-torn Gaza. The crossing, Gaza’s only exit point that does not lead to Israel, had been largely closed since May 2024.
Rafah Crossing Reopens, Limited Returns Begin
Emotional crowds gathered around a bus bringing returnees to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis late at night, filming on their phones and lifting children to greet arrivals.
“We were exhausted from this humiliating journey,” said Rotana al-Riqib, a Palestinian woman returning from Egypt. “The Israelis took us to the crossing – me, my mother and another woman from Khan Younis – and interrogated us. They don’t let us bring in anything. They confiscated everything we had, even my children’s belongings. They only left us some clothes.”
Only about two dozen people crossed in both directions on the first day – significantly fewer than the anticipated 200, according to sources on both sides. Al-Riqib added, “They don’t want a large number of people to return to Gaza. Rather, they want a large number to leave.”
Egypt has consistently warned against the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and has reportedly requested an equal number of people entering and exiting the territory daily.
Ali Shaath, head of a Palestinian committee overseeing Gaza’s governance, described Rafah’s reopening as a “window of hope” for the war-devastated territory.
Limited Capacity and Inspections
Although 150 departures and 50 arrivals were scheduled for Monday, only 12 Palestinians – nine women and three children – were permitted to return from Egypt, according to Gaza’s Interior Ministry and border officials. Eight people departed Gaza, while an Egyptian border source reported 12 entries – five injured individuals and seven companions.
“Things were very difficult, and inspections were taking place everywhere,” said Samira Said after returning through Rafah.
The reopening was long demanded by the United Nations and humanitarian organizations and is part of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza truce proposal, where humanitarian conditions remain critical.
Urgent Medical Needs
For Gaza’s sick and injured, the crossing offers potential access to Egyptian medical care. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital, reported 20,000 patients urgently requiring treatment, including 4,500 children.
Gaza City resident Umm Mohammed Abu Shaqfa, 37, whose 11-year-old daughter needs treatment unavailable in the occupied Palestinian territory, said, “We are still waiting to travel through the Rafah crossing for treatment in Egypt. Opening the crossing is a glimmer of hope. Every day, I go to the Ministry of Health office and the World Health Organization to check if my daughter’s name is on the list.”
While Rafah serves as a crucial entry point for people and supplies, COGAT, the Israeli Defence Ministry body coordinating Palestinian civilian affairs, has not indicated plans to substantially increase aid entering Gaza.
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