Rafah Border Crossing Reopens After Nearly Two-Year Closure

The Rafah border crossing, Gaza’s only gateway to Egypt, reopened on Monday after being shut for nearly two years, offering limited relief to Palestinians in the war-torn enclave. The reopening marks a significant development under the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire, though movement remains tightly restricted and humanitarian access constrained.

Closure and Limited Reopening

The Rafah crossing was closed in May 2024 after Israeli forces captured the Gazan side of the border. According to an Israeli security official, the crossing has now reopened on a trial basis, allowing a small number of Palestinians to enter and exit Gaza. However, no commercial goods or humanitarian supplies are currently permitted to pass through, limiting the immediate impact of the move.

Ceasefire Commitments and Delays

The reopening was initially planned as part of the first phase of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which came into effect in October and was backed by US President Donald Trump. However, Israel delayed the move until it received the body of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, which occurred last week. Only after this condition was met did authorities allow the crossing to resume limited operations.

Humanitarian Importance of Rafah

The Rafah crossing has historically served as Gaza’s primary exit point for civilians during periods of conflict and a critical entry route for humanitarian aid. According to local hospitals and the World Health Organisation, nearly 20,000 sick and injured Palestinians are awaiting permission to leave Gaza for urgent medical treatment abroad, underscoring the crossing’s vital humanitarian role.

What to Note for UPSC Prelims?

• Rafah is Gaza’s only border crossing with Egypt.
• The crossing was closed in May 2024 after Israeli forces seized the area.
• It is currently operated with European Union involvement.
• Rafah is crucial for medical evacuations and humanitarian access.

Operational Control and Current Limits

At present, the crossing is being operated with oversight from the European Union as part of the ceasefire framework. Egypt’s state-affiliated media reported that only 50 people will be allowed to cross in each direction per day during the initial phase. While the reopening has eased pressure on some families, officials caution that broader humanitarian flows and large-scale movement remain uncertain as security and political negotiations continue.