The occupying Israel has partially opened the Rafah crossing in Gaza

After being closed for two long years, the important Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has been partially opened under a ‘pilot operation’ by the occupying Israel.

Israeli news outlet Yedioth Ahronoth reported that from Monday (February 2), there is a possibility of two-way movement through this border.

It is estimated that around 150 residents from Gaza will be allowed to go out daily, while about 50 people will be able to enter Gaza.

Since Israeli forces took control of the Rafah crossing in May 2024, it has remained mostly closed, posing a major obstacle to the daily lives of Gaza’s civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) has confirmed that currently, the crossing is open only for the movement of certain residents. Health officials in Gaza have said that nearly 200 patients are waiting for permission to leave Gaza for urgent medical treatment. Additionally, a team of at least 40 officials associated with the Palestinian authorities has reached the Egyptian side to begin their activities in Gaza.

According to Israeli authorities, the reopening of this crossing is being conducted under the supervision of the European Union mission and in coordination with Egypt. Previously, Israel had stipulated that the border would not open until the body of the last Israeli soldier held in Gaza, Ron Gavriel, was returned. After his body was recently recovered and buried, COGAT made this decision. The agency described this step as an ‘initial pilot phase’ and stated that preparations for full operations are underway.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has called for the crossing to be opened not only for humanitarian aid but also for private commercial goods, which is crucial for reviving Gaza’s devastated economy.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement that humanitarian workers are currently facing various obstacles and delays in goods clearance at the border. Even though a ceasefire is in place in Gaza, the decision to open the crossing is seen as an important diplomatic advance, although a full agreement on complete movement is still pending.