Palestinians have started to re-enter the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt after it reopened for the movement of people. The crossing has largely been closed since May 2024, when the Palestinian side was captured by Israeli forces.
The long-delayed reopening is a key part of the first stage of US President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, which began in October. However, only dozens of individuals will be able to cross in both directions each day, and humanitarian aid and commercial goods will still not be allowed through.
Around 20,000 sick and wounded Palestinians are waiting to leave Gaza for treatment. Reports indicate that only 50 patients, each accompanied by two relatives, will be permitted to exit daily, while 50 of those who fled Gaza will be allowed to return. The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to oversee this transfer process, facilitating the transport of patients from Hamas-controlled territory through Israeli-controlled areas.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that anyone crossing the designated Yellow Line marking Israeli-held territory would encounter deadly force. The Rafah crossing will operate with oversight from the European Union and local Palestinian staff, with Israel conducting remote security checks.
This landmark event follows a trial run of the crossing last Sunday, during which several Palestinian staff members were present at the Egyptian side.
Previously, the Rafah crossing served as the main exit for Palestinians during the conflict and a major entry point for humanitarian supplies before its seizure by Israel in 2024. The Israeli government had announced plans to reopen it, yet Egypt had stipulated that both directional movement must be allowed, enabling the return of many displaced Palestinians.
In December, the Israeli government indicated a readiness to open the crossing under the condition that Hamas locate the body of the final Israeli hostage in Gaza, a move that has weighed heavily in negotiations.
Last week, the remains of Israeli police officer Master Sgt Ran Gvili were recovered in northern Gaza, part of a broader context that has seen a significant loss of life on both sides amid the ongoing conflict.
According to estimates from Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, Israeli military actions in response to the initial Hamas attack have resulted in over 71,790 Palestinian fatalities since the conflict escalated.
