Gaza Limited Rafah crossing reopening sparks hope – but also ‘massive trepidation’

Title The Impact of Gaza Limited Rafah Crossing Reopening Sparks Hope – but Also ‘Massive Trepidation’

Introduction

The recent reopening of the Rafah crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, after a prolonged closure, has generated both optimism and apprehension. As the sole border point with Egypt, this crossing is a lifeline for thousands of Palestinians seeking medical treatment outside the enclave. However, the reopening comes amidst reports of violence and concerns over civilian casualties and Israeli airstrikes.

Background

The Rafah crossing was closed in 2024 due to tensions between Israel and Hamas. This closure has had a devastating impact on the people of Gaza, with thousands of patients waiting for medical evacuations. The reopening is seen as a positive step towards improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Competing Dynamics

According to UNRWA Acting Director Sam Rose, there are competing dynamics at play here. On one hand, the reopening of the Rafah crossing presents a positive development that could lead to increased access for Palestinians. On the other hand, concerns persist over violence and airstrikes that have resulted in civilian casualties.

Limited Movement

While the reopening of the Rafah crossing is a significant step forward, it does not mean that movement has been fully restored. Israel will only allow 50 Palestinians to enter and exit Gaza each day on foot, with prior authorization from Israeli security services. Returns are also restricted, requiring residents who left during the war to obtain prior authorisation from Israeli security services.

Support for Returnees

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is providing bus transportation for returnees from the internal checkpoint to Nassar hospital in Khan Younis. The reception area at Nassar hospital has been set up with psychologists, protection specialists, food, information materials, and internet connectivity to support returnees.

Medical Evacuations

On Monday, medical evacuations took place, allowing some patients and their companions to exit Gaza directly to Egypt. Others transited through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom border crossing.

Access to Medical Treatment

The reopening of the Rafah crossing is seen as a step towards improving access to medical treatment beyond borders. Families are lining up in hospitals to bid farewell to sick relatives heading to Egypt for treatment.

Urging Expediency

Iyad Abu al-Khair, whose son Ahmed is injured and awaiting medical evacuation, urges decision-makers and the World Health Organization (WHO) to expedite the process.

Thousands Still Waiting

Despite the reopening of the Rafah crossing, thousands of patients are still waiting for medical evacuations. In a protest reflecting their despair, dozens of injured Palestinians staged a demonstration near the hospital, demanding an increase in the number of people allowed to travel daily.

Aid Delivery Update

Between January 23-29, at least 13,800 pallets of humanitarian aid managed by the UN and its partners were unloaded at crossing points. Nearly 60 per cent of these shipments contained food, with other items including shelter supplies, school materials, health items, fuel, and nutritional kits.

Conclusion

The reopening of the Rafah crossing is a significant development that has sparked both hope and fear. While it represents a step towards improving access to medical treatment beyond borders, concerns persist over violence and airstrikes. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains precarious, with thousands of patients waiting for medical evacuations.

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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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