Israel’s decision to reopen Rafah could ease Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
Israel has announced it will reopen the Rafah border crossing, potentially allowing thousands of Palestinians to exit Gaza in the coming days. This move could significantly improve access to medical care for over 16,500 sick and wounded residents, according to the World Health Organization. Gaza’s health infrastructure has collapsed during the two-year war, leaving many without access to critical treatment.
Before the war, Rafah served as Gaza’s only direct link to Egypt and was vital for both movement and commerce. However, after Hamas’s 2023 attack on Israel and subsequent Israeli military operations, Egypt tightened controls, and Israel eventually shut the crossing entirely.
Security Approvals Raise Uncertainty for Palestinians Seeking Exit
While the reopening offers hope, Israel requires Palestinians to receive both Israeli and Egyptian security approval to leave. The criteria for these approvals remain unclear, leaving many Gazans uncertain about their eligibility.
Israel insists that no one will be allowed to enter Gaza until all hostages from the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack are returned. Meanwhile, Egypt demands that the crossing be opened in both directions, so Palestinians currently in Egypt can return home. This has become a sticking point between the two nations.
Egypt’s Position: Opposition to Permanent Resettlement
Egypt strongly opposes the permanent resettlement of Palestinian refugees within its borders. The country already hosts tens of thousands of Palestinians and 9 million migrants. President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has warned of security risks tied to relocating large groups of Palestinians to the Sinai Peninsula.
Egypt supports a two-state solution and fears any large-scale population shift could undermine the possibility of a future Palestinian state in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
Logistics and Reconstruction Delay Opening Timeline
The Rafah crossing has sustained heavy damage and may need repairs before resuming operations. An Israeli official stated the European Union mission overseeing the crossing must finalize logistics. A lack of consensus between Israel and Egypt over who may pass through continues to delay progress.
Despite these challenges, Israel maintains that the crossing will open soon, though no exact date has been given.
—
Source:
What Israel’s plan to reopen the Rafah border crossing means for Palestinians in Gaza
Photo by Mohammed Ibrahim on Unsplash
About Post Author
