Rafah Crossing Reopens Amid Strict Limitations: A Symbolic Gesture for Gaza's Needy

On Monday, the Rafah crossing at the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt reopened, marking a significant albeit restricted point of entry and exit from the territory. Before the conflict escalated, this crossing was the primary land connection that did not involve Israel. However, the reopening comes with stringent limitations imposed by both Israel and Egypt, leading to an exceptionally slow movement of individuals through the crossing. On its first day of reopening, only 27 individuals were able to cross, highlighting the strict regulations in place. The flow of essential goods and food trucks remains halted, as these still traverse other crossings controlled by Israel. Government estimates from both Israel and Egypt suggested a very limited number of crossings per day, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that Israel would permit the exit of 50 sick or injured individuals daily, each accompanied by a maximum of two relatives. Conversely, Egypt expected about fifty people to return daily. This leads to a potential maximum of just 200 people crossing daily, a figure that would result in a prolonged process to evacuate around 20,000 individuals in need of care. On the reopening day, only five people in need of medical assistance were granted exit from Gaza, alongside their relatives, while a bus carrying 12 Palestinian individuals was allowed entry. These figures underscore the reality of an arduous and meticulously regulated crossing process. Entry into Gaza is strictly limited to Palestinians who had previously left during the last two years of conflict, all of whom must obtain prior approval from Israeli authorities. Similarly, Egypt has enforced security checks for individuals entering against the backdrop of Middle Eastern regional sensitivities, particularly their reluctance to accommodate a larger influx of Palestinian refugees, especially after already hosting approximately 107,000 Palestinians during the conflict. On the reopening day, several ambulances on the Egyptian side waited for hours to cross into Gaza, emphasizing the logistical challenges in evacuating those in need of urgent medical help. The Egyptian government has claimed to have 150 hospitals ready to treat evacuated individuals, though many of these facilities are several hours away from the border, with Cairo being a six-hour drive. Currently, the reopening of the Rafah crossing appears to serve more as a symbolic gesture than a genuine pathway to relief for those suffering in Gaza. Israeli officials have characterized it as a test, suggesting that it might gradually increase the number of crossings allowed. Yet, they also remind that the crossing can be closed again at their discretion, reflecting the fragile nature of agreements in this ongoing conflict. This reopening came as part of the first phase of a ceasefire initiated in October, which Israel had delayed in conjunction with recovering the body of the last hostage from the conflict. This situation highlights the complex interplay of humanitarian needs and political considerations in one of the world's most challenging and contentious regions. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2